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Economic growth

Nigeria's Economic Growth Under Scrutiny: A Civil Rights Group's Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Nigeria's civil rights group, CEHRAWS, has expressed concerns over the country's economic growth, despite claims by President Ahmed Tinubu's administration. According to CEHRAWS, the high inflation rate, stagnant wages, and deepening poverty levels contradict the reported gross domestic growth (GDP) of 3.4% in 2024. The group highlighted the worsening situation in terms of unemployment, food inflation above 30%, and the inability of the government to ensure economic policies that benefit all citizens. CEHRAWS also criticized the lack of transparency in debt management, the limited reach of consumer credit schemes, and the government's failure to uphold democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has raised concerns over Nigeria's economic growth, citing high inflation, stagnant wages, and deepening poverty levels.
  • CEHRAWS noted that the reported GDP growth of 3.4% in 2024 does not translate into real improvements for the average Nigerian, with unemployment remaining high.
  • The group highlighted the issue of food inflation, stating it remains above 30% according to official data from the National Bureau of Statistics.
  • CEHRAWS criticized the government's handling of debt, calling for transparency on the country's debt exposure, in accordance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.
  • The group also expressed concerns over the limited reach of consumer credit schemes, such as the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) initiative.
  • CEHRAWS reminded the government that democracy is not measured by economic statistics alone, but by adherence to the rule of law, respect for fundamental rights, judicial independence, and an open civic space.
  • The group criticized the continued incidence of police brutality, extra-judicial killings, disregard for court orders, and suppression of media freedom in Nigeria.
  • CEHRAWS called on the Federal Government to match its public declarations with concrete actions that genuinely advance human rights, justice, and the rule of law.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria's inflation rate remains high, with food inflation above 30% according to official data from the National Bureau of Statistics (2024).
  • The country's GDP growth rate was 3.4% in 2024, with a Q4 peak of 4.6% (CEHRAWS' review of President Ahmed Tinubu's 2025 Democracy Day address).
  • Unemployment remains high in Nigeria, with stagnant wages and deepening poverty levels (CEHRAWS' statement).
  • Nigeria's foreign reserves have increased, but the country's growing external debt and heavy dependence on volatile foreign exchange inflows raise concerns (CEHRAWS' statement).
  • Over 130 million Nigerians live below the poverty line, with the majority lacking access to basic necessities like food and healthcare (CEHRAWS' statement).

Sources:

  • CEHRAWS' statement on Nigeria's economic growth and human rights concerns, signed by Okoye Chuka Peter, Executive Director (No date mentioned).
  • President Ahmed Tinubu's 2025 Democracy Day address (No date mentioned).
  • National Bureau of Statistics (2024). Official data on inflation and GDP growth.
  • Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, Section 44 (Mandates prudent debt management and accountability to the Nigerian people).
  • International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Article 11 (Protects economic, social, and cultural rights of citizens).
  • Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria (No date mentioned).

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