The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Federal and State Governments to urgently declare an economic emergency, warning that the worsening cost-of-living crisis is pushing millions of Nigerians into severe hardship. The group said the current economic situation has become unbearable for most households, with rising prices of food, fuel, electricity, transport, and other essentials eroding purchasing power across the country.
HURIWA's Statement on the Crisis
In a statement signed on Friday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said the crisis has moved beyond routine policy responses and now requires extraordinary intervention to prevent further deterioration in living conditions. “The cost-of-living crisis is worsening daily, and millions of Nigerian families are being pushed to the edge of survival. This situation demands urgent and coordinated action from government at all levels,” Onwubiko stated.
Rising Unemployment and Inflation
HURIWA also expressed concern over rising unemployment, particularly among young Nigerians, noting that job opportunities remain limited while wages have not kept pace with inflation. The rights group criticised what it described as weak institutional responses from key government agencies responsible for poverty alleviation and social protection, arguing that their interventions have not matched the scale of current hardship.
Food Insecurity and Insecurity in Farming Communities
It further raised alarm over worsening food insecurity, attributing part of the crisis to insecurity in farming communities, which has disrupted agricultural production and contributed to rising food prices nationwide. According to the group, many farmers are unable to access their farmlands due to violent attacks and insecurity, a situation it said is worsening hunger and reducing food supply across the country.
Warning of Deepening Poverty and Social Tension
HURIWA warned that the combined effects of inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and weak policy coordination could deepen poverty levels and increase social tension if urgent steps are not taken. The organisation therefore urged government to adopt emergency economic measures aimed at stabilising prices, strengthening social protection systems, improving security in rural areas, and supporting agricultural productivity.
Call for Extraordinary Action
It insisted that only extraordinary action can address the scale of the current hardship, stressing that routine governance responses are no longer sufficient. “The suffering of Nigerians has reached a critical point. Government must act decisively and treat this as an economic emergency before the situation worsens further,” Onwubiko added. HURIWA maintained that declaring an economic emergency would help coordinate stronger national responses to inflation, unemployment, and food insecurity affecting millions of citizens.
