The African Democratic Congress has criticised the Federal Government over recent celebrations surrounding Nigeria’s reported Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, insisting that the economic figures do not reflect the harsh realities facing millions of Nigerians.
The opposition party argued that rising inflation, high food prices, unemployment, and the struggles of small businesses show that many citizens are yet to feel any real economic improvement.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the government of relying on economic statistics while ordinary Nigerians continue to face severe hardship.
According to the ADC, headline GDP figures mean little if they fail to improve the daily lives of citizens.
“People do not eat GDP,” the party stated.
The party stressed that economic growth should not only exist in official reports but should translate into better living conditions, job opportunities, and improved purchasing power for Nigerians.
“Economic growth that does not reduce suffering, create jobs, improve incomes, or restore dignity to citizens is empty growth,” the statement added.
ADC RAISES CONCERNS OVER HARDSHIP
The ADC said the economic realities across the country paint a completely different picture from the positive growth figures being celebrated by the government.
According to the party, food prices remain extremely high, transportation costs continue to rise, and many small businesses are shutting down due to inflation, rising energy costs, and weak consumer demand.
“Food prices are unbearable. Transportation costs have become punitive. Small businesses are shutting down daily,” the party said.
The opposition party also pointed to worsening unemployment and declining salaries, arguing that many families who once lived comfortably are now struggling to survive.
GDP REPORT SPARKS DEBATE
The criticism followed a recent report by Quartus Economics which showed that Nigeria’s dollar GDP reportedly increased by 22 per cent in 2025.
According to the report, Nigeria’s GDP rose from about $252 billion in 2024 to roughly $307 billion in 2025, driven largely by stronger economic output and appreciation of the naira.
The report also claimed that Nigeria outperformed several African economies, including South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Angola in economic growth.
However, the ADC maintained that macroeconomic figures alone cannot be used to judge the wellbeing of citizens.
“The purpose of governance is not to manage public relations for economic statistics. The purpose of governance is to improve the living conditions of the people,” the party stated.
The debate comes amid ongoing discussions over the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments.
While government officials insist the reforms are necessary for long-term economic recovery, many Nigerians continue to complain about rising living costs and worsening economic hardship.
The ADC insisted that until Nigerians begin to experience affordable food, stable electricity, decent jobs, and improved living standards, claims of economic success would remain disconnected from reality.
The latest criticism from the ADC highlights growing concerns over the true impact of Nigeria’s economic reforms on ordinary citizens. While official figures may point to growth, many Nigerians continue to judge the economy by the realities they face daily in homes, businesses, and markets across the country.
