In Abuja, civil rights lawyer Eze Onyekpere expressed deep concern over the Nigerian government’s increasing reliance on foreign loans, warning that future generations of Nigerians may face dire consequences. Speaking at a public forum on Thursday titled “Public Discourse on Ending Poverty and Inequality in Nigeria,” organized by ActionAid Nigeria, Onyekpere highlighted the potential long-term dangers of the government’s borrowing strategies.
Onyekpere criticized the administration’s policies, stating that many of them are anti-people, worsening poverty and hardship across the country. He specifically noted that the government’s current tax regime disproportionately affects the poor, further deepening inequality. He urged authorities to introduce a tax system that places a higher burden on the wealthy while easing the financial strain on low-income citizens.
During the same event, Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, called on the government to adopt sustainable approaches to support vulnerable communities. He cited the recent devastating floods in Maiduguri, which have displaced many, particularly women and children, pushing them deeper into poverty.
“Our efforts should be centered on restoring dignity and meeting the immediate needs of those affected by disasters like this,” Mamedu stated, emphasizing the importance of empathy in relief efforts. He also stressed the need for accountability and coordinated actions to prevent similar crises in the future.
Mamedu reminded attendees of the Federal Government’s 2022 National Strategic Plan of Action for flood response, highlighting the need for stronger preparation and resilience-building systems in the face of recurrent natural disasters.
