Akande Sounds Alarm on Nigeria’s Deepening Poverty Gap, Urges Government Action

• Laolu Akande expresses grave concern about escalating poverty in Nigeria, urging the government to prioritize addressing the alarming situation
• Akande links public distrust in government spending to high poverty levels, emphasizing the need for a simultaneous focus on fiscal responsibility

Laolu Akande, former presidential spokesperson and political analyst on Channels TV, has expressed grave concern about the escalating poverty levels in Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for the Federal Government to address the alarming situation.

Speaking on Channels TV’s news documentary program, Sunrise Daily, Akande underscored the importance of the government prioritizing the poverty crisis alongside issues of fiscal responsibility and electoral reforms. He described the poverty gap in the country as “tremendous,” highlighting the resistance government spending faces, justified or not, due to the severity of the poverty problem.

Addressing the public outcry over what many perceive as extravagant and questionable expenditures by the Lagos State Government and Nigeria’s controversial N2.8 trillion 2023 supplementary budget passed by the Senate, Akande attributed the distrust among Nigerians towards government spending to the significant poverty levels.

Akande acknowledged the positive aspect of increased public attention and transparency in governance issues, particularly regarding budgetary matters. He stressed the need for governors to modify their actions as public scrutiny intensifies.

However, he also pointed out the challenging reality of governance costs, noting that while excesses exist, the discussion on reducing the cost of governance must also consider the country’s severe poverty levels. Akande highlighted that poor individuals may struggle to comprehend the necessary expenses for effective governance, making it crucial to address poverty alongside fiscal responsibility.

When asked about Nigeria’s democratic evolution, Akande affirmed the value of democracy as the best form of governance invented by humankind. However, he raised questions about the commitment of political elites to patriotic service. Akande urged political elites to exhibit at least 50 percent love for the country, believing that such commitment could lead to transformative changes in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of citizen awareness and engagement in a democracy, expressing concern about the significant voter apathy observed in the country.