CSOs Lament Rising Poverty Despite Over N100trn Budgets in Two Years

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has raised alarm over worsening poverty and declining living standards in Nigeria, despite federal budgets exceeding N100 trillion over the past two years.

The groups said that although government spending has reached unprecedented levels, surpassing total budgets recorded between 1999 and 2017, there has been little improvement in the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. Instead, they noted a rise in poverty, failing public services, and widening inequality.

Among the organisations are the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Yiaga Africa, BudgIT Foundation, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Amnesty International Nigeria, and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the coalition described the situation as a growing disconnect between government expenditure and citizens’ real-life experiences. They warned that without urgent reforms, the country risks sliding into deeper crisis.

The CSOs acknowledged that recent policies such as fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the naira have boosted government revenue. However, they stressed that these gains have not translated into improved living conditions, as many Nigerians continue to struggle with high living costs and reduced purchasing power.

They identified insecurity, corruption, economic hardship, and shrinking civic space as key factors worsening the situation. The groups also expressed concern over declining public trust in the judiciary, citing alleged political interference and delays in the justice system.

The coalition urged all levels of government to channel increased revenues into visible improvements in social protection, job creation, healthcare, and food security. They also called for greater transparency in public spending, speedy prosecution of corruption cases, and reforms to strengthen electoral processes and institutional independence.

Meanwhile, former presidential candidate Peter Obi criticised the Federal Government’s approval of N3.3 trillion to settle debts in the power sector, questioning the effectiveness of repeated financial interventions.

In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi said the move reflects a troubling trend where large sums are committed without corresponding improvements in electricity supply. He recalled that similar approvals were made in 2024, including N3.3 trillion in May and a N4 trillion bond in July, yet power supply remains unstable.

Obi argued that the issue goes beyond funding, pointing instead to structural and governance challenges within the sector. He called for greater accountability, asking how the debts were incurred, who benefited, and why previous interventions have failed to deliver results.

He also noted that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are among major debtors in the power value chain, warning that without urgent reforms, Nigeria may continue to spend heavily on electricity without meaningful outcomes.

In addition, organisations such as ActionAid Nigeria, Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), Impact Bridge Africa, and Plan International criticised the lack of transparency and public participation in the budgeting and debt management process.

Speaking at a joint press briefing in Abuja, the groups also faulted delays in presenting the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), noting that it violates provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which requires early submission to the National Assembly.

They called for improved accountability and timely budget processes to ensure that public resources are effectively managed for the benefit of all Nigerians.