Obi warns Nigeria sliding deeper into poverty, slams unpaid Super Eagles allowances
Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria is sliding backwards economically as poverty deepens and political leaders remain preoccupied with power struggles rather than governance.
In a statement on Sunday, Obi said about 141 million Nigerians, representing 62 per cent of the population, are currently living in poverty, describing the trend as a grave national failure and a serious threat to the country’s future.
“As we politicians scramble for positions and vie for control of party structures, often sharing posts even before elections are concluded, a harsh truth confronts our nation: a staggering 62 per cent of Nigerians, roughly 141 million people, are ensnared in poverty,” Obi said.
Citing World Bank data, he noted that Nigeria’s poverty figure rose from 81 million in 2019 to about 139 million in 2025, with a sharp increase recorded between 2023 and 2024, when an additional 14 million Nigerians were pushed into poverty. He added that projections indicate the number could reach 141 million by 2026.
According to Obi, low-income households are particularly vulnerable, as food accounts for up to 70 per cent of their spending, exposing them to inflation and price shocks. He warned that sustained poverty could erode human capital, strain public finances and stall economic recovery unless there is robust job creation, productivity growth and effective social protection.
He also expressed concern over Nigeria’s human development record, noting that while countries such as India, Bangladesh and Indonesia recorded significant improvements by 2025, Nigeria remained at 0.53 on the Human Development Index, firmly within the low development category.
“The fact that 141 million Nigerians are living in poverty is not merely a national failure; it is a blatant threat to our future. The time for complacency has passed,” Obi said.
Meanwhile, Obi also criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the failure to pay match allowances owed to members of the Super Eagles, describing it as an embarrassment and a reflection of misplaced national priorities.
Reacting to reports that the players were still being owed bonuses despite their ongoing campaign, Obi said it was troubling that athletes providing joy and unity for the country were being denied their entitlements.
“At a time when Nigerians need joy and unity, something the Super Eagles have been providing, these same players are being denied their basic match allowances,” he said.
He contrasted the situation with what he described as the ease with which public funds are written off or spent on projects with little impact on citizens’ lives, arguing that the issue reflects a failure to honour commitments.
“The Super Eagles do not deserve this embarrassment or the avoidable distractions ahead of a crucial quarter-final match,” Obi said, adding that Nigeria’s credibility depends on its ability to fulfil obligations, regardless of scale.
