Atiku: Nigerians Pay Ransom as If It Were House Rent and School Fees

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the country’s growing insecurity and deteriorating economic conditions, arguing that Nigerians now view ransom payments as a routine household expense.

Atiku’s comments were released in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, on Thursday.

He said the presidency’s comparison of Nigeria’s debt profile with other African nations shows a disconnect from the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.

“It is both astonishing and insulting that, at a time when millions of Nigerians can barely afford one meal a day, the presidency is celebrating debt figures as though indebtedness were an achievement,” he said. “In many parts of Nigeria today, travelling by road has become a gamble with death. Families go to bed praying not to receive midnight calls announcing the abduction of loved ones,” Atiku added.

He further explained that ransom payments have become part of daily survival for many families. “Ransom payments have become as routine as school fees and house rent in many homes,” Atiku said.

Atiku also blamed rising insecurity for the collapse of food production, noting that farmers can no longer access their farmlands due to attacks by armed groups. “As a result, food production has declined sharply, leading to hunger, rising prices, and widespread hardship,” he added.

While acknowledging that borrowing can be useful when properly managed, Atiku argued that Nigeria’s current debt has not translated into improved living conditions. He accused the government of prioritising propaganda over addressing real economic and security challenges, and urged urgent action to prevent further decline.