The Federal Government of Nigeria has been encouraged to act immediately economically to ease the suffering of Nigerians, especially with regard to the rising prevalence of hunger, by the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity.

The organisation further highlights how President Bola Tinubu must address the widespread problems of poverty, poor roads, out-of-school children, and insecurity.

Dr. Joseph Oteri, speaking for NAS, cautioned that if social unrest is not handled, the deteriorating economic situation could lead to civil disturbance in their Independence Day speech, “Nigeria@64: Walking on Tightrope.”

He cautioned that putting demonstrators under arrest and accusing them of terrorism is not the way to resolve the issue.

According to the statement, Nigerians are becoming less enthusiastic about the festivities and the celebrations have gotten more subdued.
It further stated that disappointment has given way as promises of advancement go unmet.

“Poverty is at alarming levels; over 60% of Nigerians, or 133 million people, live in multidimensional poverty and lack access to basic services like housing, healthcare, and education,” the speaker declared. This demonstrates how economic policies have failed to protect the most vulnerable.

Oteri also condemned the growing rate of inflation, which peaked in July 2024 at 33.40 percent and only marginally decreased to 32.15% in August.

For the sake of national growth, NAS demands that professional training and healthcare infrastructure be invested in order to maintain a healthy populace.

In a similar vein, Oteri stated that the situation of insecurity is still terrible, with farmers fleeing their properties as a result of attacks by herders, bandits, and kidnapping. This puts food security at jeopardy and emphasises the connections between food price increases and insecurity.

“More than 2,000 people lost their lives and many farmers were forced to abandon their farms in the early months of 2024,” he claimed.

He proceeded by saying that despite Nigeria’s placement of 145th on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, fraud has continued to impede the country’s efforts in combating corruption.

Oteri bemoaned the appalling status of education in Nigeria, where one in three children is not attending school, according to UNICEF.

The nation’s education budget needs to be amended because it is significantly less than what UNESCO recommends. In order to address the growing number of children who are not attending school, NAS advocates for greater funding for education,” he suggested.

In order to empower regions and advance true federalism, the association also supports decentralised governance.

“The administration ought to set an exemplary example by eliminating needless spending and making investments in the people.

The statement ended, “Nigeria can build a prosperous, secure, and equitable future with a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.” The strength of the country resides in its unity and joint efforts.