Prominent human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has expressed deep concern about the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria, pointing to a series of government policies he claims exacerbate the suffering of the country’s most vulnerable citizens. Adeyanju, known for his vocal criticism of Nigeria’s leadership, suggests that even with centuries in power, President Bola Tinubu and his administration would not be able to rectify the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.
In a candid interview, Adeyanju criticized the current administration for its failure to support the poor, claiming that the government’s policies are primarily benefiting the wealthy elite. He described Nigeria as a nation that disproportionately favors the rich, while ordinary citizens struggle with exorbitant taxes and steep prices for essential goods. “This nation, as currently constituted, can be akin to a concentration camp where citizens are forced to stay,” he said, elaborating on how the economic and social structures in place are skewed against the average Nigerian.
Adeyanju’s comments come amid rising inflation and an ongoing fuel price crisis, which he said places an unbearable burden on the country’s poor. He specifically mentioned the recent hike in fuel prices, which has sent the cost of living spiraling. “You cannot say this is a nation for poor people when fuel prices are quadrupling, and the rich are not paying for doing business,” Adeyanju asserted. “The poor are taxed to pay triple the price of essential goods. This is an anti-poor nation.”
The activist also took issue with the government’s treatment of young Nigerians, particularly those who have protested against hunger and insecurity. Referring to the recent detainment of young protesters who had raised concerns about food shortages and the country’s growing insecurity, Adeyanju said, “Minors are being arraigned for terrorism just for saying, ‘We are hungry; this is the reason why we are protesting.’ They were locked up for 93 days without food, charged with treasonable felony, and paraded like common criminals.”
According to Adeyanju, this treatment is emblematic of a broader pattern in which the government acts with cruelty toward its citizens while showing leniency toward violent groups like Boko Haram. “This is a nation where police chiefs are hustling to take pictures with bandits in Zamfara. They organize an elaborate ceremony to reintegrate Boko Haram members into society,” he said, criticizing the apparent contradiction in the government’s approach to national security. “Then you arraign minors for terrorism, accusing them of treasonable felony for simply protesting against hunger and insecurity.”
The activist’s harsh words for the government highlight what he sees as the fundamental hypocrisy in the country’s approach to justice and governance. Adeyanju noted that the government’s actions seemed out of touch with the needs of the majority of Nigerians, particularly the youth, who are increasingly becoming disillusioned with the system. “If you doubt me, if you think that Nigeria is not a concentration camp, let’s run a social experiment. Let the United States of America make their country visa-free to Nigerians, and let’s count how many of us will remain,” he challenged, underscoring his view that many Nigerians would leave if given the opportunity due to the dire state of the country.
In his assessment, Adeyanju painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s political landscape, arguing that the system is designed to maintain power among the elite at the expense of the wider population. “The nation is an irony. The rich are thriving, and the poor are sinking. The government is more interested in appeasing those in power than addressing the basic needs of the citizens,” he said, drawing attention to what he called the “deep inequality” that defines the nation’s economic policies.
As part of his broader critique, Adeyanju highlighted the lack of real reforms in the country’s governance structures, especially regarding accountability and justice. He pointed out that, despite claims of fighting corruption and promoting national security, the government’s actions often undermine those very goals. The recent spectacle of Boko Haram reintegration, for instance, has been controversial, with critics arguing that it sends a contradictory message about the government’s stance on terrorism and justice.
The human rights lawyer’s remarks also drew attention to the broader issue of youth disenfranchisement in Nigeria. He argued that many young Nigerians, faced with economic hardship and political instability, are losing faith in the country’s leadership. “The youth are the backbone of any nation, but in Nigeria, they are being crushed by the system. They are hungry, they are angry, and they are protesting, but the government is responding with repression, not understanding,” Adeyanju said, reflecting on the growing frustration among young Nigerians.
