Nigerians now pay ransom like house rent, school fees – Atiku

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over rising insecurity and the worsening economic situation in the country, saying Nigerians now treat ransom payments like regular household expenses.

Atiku made the remarks in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, on Thursday.

He said the comparison of Nigeria’s debt profile with other African countries by the presidency showed a disconnect from the suffering of 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.

“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,” he said.

He added that ransom payments have now 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.

The former Vice President also blamed rising insecurity for the collapse of food production, saying 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 further accused the government of focusing on propaganda instead of addressing real economic and security challenges, urging urgent action to prevent further decline.