Tinubu @2: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prioritisation of Needs, Voices of Citizens

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The ActionAid Nigeria, has called for a renewed commitment to governance that prioritises the needs and voices of ordinary citizens.

The NGO in a statement on the second year anniversary ofPresident Bola Tinubu, stated in statement by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, that while some economic reforms and policy efforts have been initiated at the national level, the true measure of progress lies in how these actions impact the daily lives of Nigerians beyond policy announcements, media headlines, or online narratives.

“In the last two years, Nigeria has experienced both gains and challenges across different sectors of the economy.However, critical issues persist, including growing poverty, increasing inequality, underinvestment in education, persistent gender disparity in political representation, sexual and gender-based violence, and a shrinking civic space that stifles citizen engagement.

“The administration’s appointments also reflect this lack of inclusivity, only about 10% of ministers are women, far below the African Union’s 35% gender parity benchmark. Furthermore, regional imbalance in appointments has triggered discontent, deepening feelings of marginalisation among somegroups.”

He further noted that, “We believe the time has come to prioritise development over politics. President Tinubu’s administration must shift focus from headline economic figures to tangible improvements in people’s lives.

“While paying off parts of our national debt is commendable, it is difficult to reconcile with the government’s continued accumulation of multi-million-dollar loans. How is any of this easing the daily struggles of the market woman, the out-of-school child, or the unemployed youth in reality?

“Nigerians are calling for a clear and resolute stance from President Tinubu in the fight against corruption. High-profile cases like that of Betta Edu, accused of misappropriating social investment funds intended for vulnerable citizens, have sparked widespread outrage, yet no convictions or meaningful resolutions have emerged.

“Likewise, prolonged cases involving former EFCC chair Ibrahim Magu and ex-pension boss Abdulrasheed Maina remain unresolved, deepening public distrust in the fight against corruption, due to perceptions of selective enforcement and delays.

“Without a genuine, transparent, and sustained anti-corruption campaign led by the President, efforts to enhance governance and drive development will continue to fall short.”