The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has strongly disputed President Bola Tinubu's assertions of economic growth, stating that the harsh realities faced by ordinary Nigerians paint a starkly different picture from the administration's narrative of progress.
Economic Growth For Whom?
Speaking at a media briefing on the state of the nation in Abuja on Saturday, 3 January 2026, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, argued that the Federal Government's widely publicised economic growth has failed to improve the living conditions of citizens. He was reacting directly to Tinubu's New Year address, where the President highlighted signs of economic recovery.
Zikirullahi posed pointed questions about the beneficiaries of this purported growth. "When they say there is economic growth, growth for whom?" he asked. "Has the price of food dropped? Has the price of fuel dropped? Has cooking gas become cheaper? Have bank charges reduced? If there is growth, Nigerians should be able to afford basic necessities of life."
He dismissed the presidential address as predictable, accusing political leaders of using polished language to cast their performance in a favourable light while ignoring the daily struggles of the populace. He insisted that genuine economic growth must be measured by:
- Improved incomes for workers
- Massive job creation
- A tangible reduction in the cost of living
rather than abstract macroeconomic indicators that have little bearing on household survival.
Policies Deepening Hardship and Eroding Trust
Zikirullahi specifically criticised key government policies, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and increases in electricity tariffs, stating they have compounded the suffering of Nigerians. He contrasted the repeated official claims of empty government coffers with the comfortable lifestyle of political officeholders.
"You keep taxing the people to death — fuel subsidy removal, electricity tariffs, bank charges. Every sector is squeezed. Yet those in power are celebrating Christmas and New Year in luxury," he stated.
He accused the political elite of being the primary beneficiaries of economic reforms and painted a grim outlook for Nigeria in 2025, highlighting:
- Rising inflation
- A continuously weakening Naira
- Worsening insecurity across the nation
- A shrinking civic space
Zikirullahi warned that unless urgent corrective actions are taken in 2026, public trust in governance and democracy will continue to erode dangerously.
Insecurity as a Major Development Barrier
The CHRICED leader provided a chilling account of the security situation, arguing that it fundamentally undermines any prospect for national development. "Despite massive allocations to defence and security, Nigerians remain trapped in fear," he said.
He detailed how kidnappings, banditry, insurgency, and violent crime have ravaged communities, affecting every aspect of life:
"From highways to farmlands, from schools to marketplaces, from Churches to Mosques, insecurity tightened its grip, leaving citizens traumatized and exhausted."
The consequences, according to him, are severe and widespread:
- Farmers have abandoned their fields.
- Students are abducted or forced out of school.
- Businesses are relocating or shutting down.
- Entire communities are being displaced.
"The human and economic toll is staggering and unacceptable. A nation that cannot guarantee safety cannot guarantee development. Nigeria cannot rise while its citizens live under siege," Zikirullahi concluded, urging Nigerians to reject what he termed half-truths from leaders and to vocally oppose policies that deepen hardship.
