As President Bola Tinubu marks two years in office, ActionAid Nigeria has called for a stronger commitment to inclusive governance that prioritises the needs and voices of ordinary Nigerians.
In a statement signed by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, the organisation acknowledged recent economic reforms but stressed that real progress must be measured by tangible improvements in the lives of citizens, not by policy declarations or media narratives.
“While the government has made some economic strides, persistent issues such as widespread poverty, inequality, poor investment in education, gender disparity in leadership, and increasing civic restrictions continue to undermine development,” the statement read.
ActionAid criticised the lack of inclusivity in government appointments, noting that only 10% of current ministers are women — far below the African Union’s 35% benchmark. The group also raised concerns over regional imbalances in appointments, which it said have exacerbated feelings of marginalisation.
Mamedu urged the administration to prioritise development over politics. “Paying off some debt is good, but it doesn’t address the struggles of the market woman, the unemployed youth, or the out-of-school child,” he said. “What Nigerians need are policies that translate into real, measurable improvements in their daily lives.”
On the fight against corruption, ActionAid cited a lack of decisive action in high-profile cases, including those involving former government officials and suspended ministers. “Without a transparent and sustained anti-corruption drive led by the President himself, public confidence will remain low,” Mamedu warned.
The NGO also highlighted the widening economic divide in Nigeria, pointing out that while banks post record profits, millions of citizens can barely afford a meal. It called for the establishment of robust social protection systems to support the most vulnerable.
Security challenges were also flagged. The organisation pointed to the resurgence of insurgency in parts of the Northeast, continued banditry and kidnappings in the Northwest and North-Central regions, and recent high-profile abductions — including the kidnapping of over 280 schoolchildren in Kaduna State.
“More than 3,000 people were kidnapped in 2024 alone,” Mamedu said. “This crisis demands urgent, coordinated action that prioritises justice and the protection of vulnerable communities.”
On fiscal policy, ActionAid cautioned against rising national debt, urging the government to reduce the cost of governance, tackle budget padding, and improve transparency.
In closing, the group called on President Tinubu to make his third year in office a turning point. “Marry policy with empathy, numbers with narratives, and growth with justice,” the statement urged. “Governance must reflect the real needs of the Nigerian people.”
