The Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic decline, warning that the country’s current trajectory threatens the future of its youth and generations to come.
Speaking at a virtual forum organised by the US-Africa Chamber of Commerce, Global Diaspora and Civil Society, Usman highlighted challenges in governance, security, the rule of law, anti-corruption efforts and youth empowerment. She stressed the need to strengthen national institutions to ensure the government becomes more responsive to citizens’ needs.
Reflecting on her personal journey, the former Minister of Finance recalled how she rose from being the daughter of an illiterate auto mechanic to serving as a senator, an ascent she attributed to the scholarship schemes that once supported children from poor families through tertiary education.
“Today, can the child of an illiterate auto mechanic in Nigeria obtain the quality of education I received, or even dream of aspiring to be a ward councillor?” she asked, lamenting that the opportunities that once enabled upward mobility have all but collapsed.
Usman also criticised Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, alleging that bodies like the EFCC have been weaponised by the ruling party to target political opponents rather than genuinely tackle corruption.
On the rule of law, she expressed concern over what she described as the “capture” of the judiciary by the executive, adding that the National Assembly has become a “retirement home” for former governors who do little to strengthen judicial independence.
Other speakers at the forum included Col. Brian Searcy (Ret.) USAF, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the US-Africa Chamber and CEO of Paratus Group, who urged participants not to rely solely on the government for solutions. He emphasised the importance of individual and community responsibility in building a better society.
The session was moderated by Dr Sir Joe Madu, President of the US-Africa Chamber of Commerce.
