ActionAid Nigeria Demands Socio-Economic and Climate Justice on World Social Justice Day
*** Says Nigeria’s Economic Growth Must Benefit All Citizens
Emmanuel Onuh
As Nigeria joins the global community in marking the 2025 World Day of Social Justice, ActionAid Nigeria is calling on the government to prioritize climate justice and socio-economic equity. The organization emphasizes that economic growth must translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians, rather than just being a statistic.
According to a press statement by the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu,the country’s economic challenges, including soaring inflation, a weakened naira, and sluggish GDP growth, are deepening inequality and jeopardizing the future of young people.
“The Nigerian government recently celebrated the rebasing of the economy, but for the average citizen, the pressing question remains: how will this translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives?” Mamedu highlights the grim reality on the ground, citing soaring inflation, a weakened naira, sluggish GDP growth, and a staggering public debt exceeding $50 billion.
Mamedu stressed that deliberate investment in climate-resilient public services and improved socio-economic policies is crucial to address these challenges.
He explained that climate change is exacerbating existing inequalities, particularly for smallholder farmers who produce 70% of Nigeria’s food. These farmers face unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and devastating floods that destroy farmlands, yet support for climate-resilient agriculture remains minimal. The organization notes that Nigeria’s 2025 budget falls short of the African Union’s recommendation to allocate at least 10% to agriculture.
Mamedu emphasizes the need for Nigeria to transition towards sustainable energy solutions, stating, “The fossil fuel industry is the biggest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, fueling the climate crisis. Industrial agriculture follows closely, driving harmful emissions and violating local rights.
” He calls on the government and investors to divest from harmful fossil fuel and industrial agriculture projects and instead channel resources into renewable energy and agroecological solutions.
ActionAid Nigeria demands urgent action to ensure that social and economic policies prioritize climate justice and inclusive development. The organization emphasizes the need for increased investments in climate-resilient, gender-responsive public services, fiscal policies that reduce inequality, and support for small businesses and vulnerable populations.
