Poverty Crisis: Struggling Nigerians Demand Change

The Worsening Poverty Crisis in Nigeria

Nigeria’s poverty crisis continues to reach new heights. Rising inflation, a struggling currency, and the recent removal of fuel subsidies have pushed many Nigerians to the brink.

The hardship has driven public protests and left many people feeling abandoned by the government. In this feature, seven everyday Nigerians and two experts discuss their challenges and concerns amid Nigeria’s growing poverty crisis.

Market Women Struggle to Make Ends Meet

Market women across Nigeria face immense financial pressure. Fatima, a tomato seller in Oshodi, Lagos, shared her ordeal: “The price of everything is going up, but customers still want to buy at old prices. I can’t feed my family anymore. A rubber of tomatoes sometime ago cost N2,500 but now go for N4,500, but customers are really expecting us to buy at the old price. With this increment, we see lesser gain and it is not even enough to run our day-to-day affairs.” This statement echoes the sentiments of thousands who, like Fatima, depend on small-scale sales to survive. They struggle to afford food, let alone other essentials, due to high inflation and diminishing purchasing power, a recurring effect of Nigeria’s poverty crisis.

Public Transport Operators Feel the Pinch

Public transportation is a crucial lifeline in Nigeria, yet drivers are also hit hard by the crisis. Musa, a Tricycle driver (Keke Napep) in Ajao Estate, explained, “With the fuel subsidy gone, I pay almost double for fuel, and passengers are complaining when I increase fares. But I have a family too.” For transport workers like Musa, the poverty crisis in Nigeria isn’t just about them—it’s also about meeting their family’s needs, which becomes nearly impossible when daily earnings barely cover basic expenses.

Nurses Underpaid and Overworked

Healthcare workers are among the most impacted by Nigeria’s poverty crisis, and the implications are severe. Esther, a nurse in NewLife Hospital in Isolo, expressed her frustration: “We work long hours, and sometimes our salaries are delayed. Many colleagues have left for better pay abroad. even though we have raised the prices of treatment, people now prefer to venture into self-medication until their health deteriorate. The prices of many drugs has doubled and tripled.”

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Esther’s words highlight a major challenge in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, as low pay and economic pressures drive talented professionals to seek opportunities elsewhere, further worsening healthcare services at home. The issue of self medication is on the rise.

Farmers Suffer from Insecurity and Poor Economy

Rural farmers, already battling insecurity, are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. Musa Adamu on Facebook wrote “With bandits everywhere, we can’t go to the farm freely. And when we do, the cost of fertilisers and seeds is too high.” Adamu’s situation reflects the severe impact of Nigeria’s poverty crisis on agriculture, which is vital for food security and economic stability. Rising costs and the constant threat of attacks leave many farmers struggling to survive.

Small Business Owners See Shrinking Profits

Small businesses, once a foundation for economic growth, are now crumbling under pressure. Tunde, a shop owner, noted, “I sell fewer goods now because people don’t have money to buy. Some days, I don’t make any profit.” Tunde’s story reflects how, for many small business owners, the poverty crisis in Nigeria means navigating daily losses, resulting in closures and economic stagnation in communities across the country.

Also. Anita Okoro, a POS woman says “Things have really gone bad. Before i can make up to N5,000 to N10,000 as profit but now I struggle to make N2,000. The government should do something as quick as possible.”

Teachers Facing the Brunt of Poverty

Educators like Opara Nkechi, a teacher in Keen Schools, are deeply affected by low wages and high inflation. She lamented, “How can I teach when I haven’t been paid in two months? I can barely feed myself, let alone my children. This is caused due to low payment in school fees, according to what the owner says. I am forced to take up home teaching in the evening to cover up” Nkechi’s struggles shed light on the dismal reality faced by many teachers, who, despite their vital role in society, are often underpaid, affecting the quality of education for future generations and worsening the poverty crisis in Nigeria.

University Graduates Grapple with Unemployment

Unemployment is a constant challenge, and graduates are some of the hardest hit. Ashana Jeremiah, a recent graduate from University of Benin(UNIBEN), shared, “I studied engineering, but there are no jobs. Now I do odd jobs just to survive.” His story is common among Nigerian youths who, despite their qualifications, find limited employment options due to the country’s struggling economy, which only deepens Nigeria’s poverty crisis.

Expert Opinions: Addressing the Poverty Crisis in Nigeria

Dr. Sarah Okeke, an economist, believes Nigeria’s poverty crisis is due to “systemic issues in governance and economic mismanagement.” She notes, “Government policies, like the recent subsidy removal, were poorly implemented without considering the impact on average citizens. Many Nigerians are struggling because these policies lack practical support measures.”

Similarly, social analyst Dr. Adebayo Ogunlade argues that the high level of poverty in Nigeria could have been avoided with proper planning. “The government’s failure to create safety nets has left Nigerians vulnerable. We see people losing their livelihoods daily, and children are dropping out of school because their parents can’t afford it. Addressing this crisis requires immediate action from all levels of government.”

A Call for Urgent Action on Nigeria’s Poverty Crisis

As Nigeria’s poverty crisis continues to spiral, the cries for change are loud and clear. The accounts shared by Nigerians from various walks of life highlight the human side of economic statistics.

For many, survival is a daily struggle, and the lack of support from authorities has intensified public resentment. With inflation rising, income shrinking, and insecurity rampant, the country’s leaders must address the root causes of Nigeria’s poverty crisis urgently.