Revenue Targets Meaningless Amid Rising Poverty, Says Obi

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has faulted the Federal Government’s celebration of meeting revenue targets, describing it as hollow in the face of worsening hardship among Nigerians.

In a statement released on his official X handle on Thursday, Obi argued that fiscal milestones are meaningless when citizens continue to grapple with hunger, unemployment, and poverty.

“Achieving revenue targets means nothing if the suffering masses cannot feel the impact,” Obi said. “Today, small businesses are collapsing under debt, critical institutions remain underfunded, and retirees who dedicated their lives to building this country are still protesting unpaid pensions. That is the true measure of our economy, not the numbers government is parading.”

He condemned what he called government’s insensitivity, noting that celebrating excess revenue while Nigerians endure hardship is “shameful.” According to him, the plight of pensioners who are reduced to begging for entitlements is a clear indictment of the nation’s priorities.

The former Anambra State governor urged leaders to redirect resources into productive sectors that create jobs, strengthen small businesses, and restore dignity to retired workers. “Our nation must not continue to throw its citizens into debt and despair. It is time for government to act responsibly and with integrity,” he declared.

Obi emphasized that true progress would only be achieved when governance is measured by improvements in citizens’ welfare, not by abstract fiscal achievements. He concluded with his familiar call for reforms: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”