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Lawyer and political activist, Prof. Chris Nwaokobia, has painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, lamenting that many citizens who were financially stable just a few years ago are now struggling to meet basic needs and increasingly turning to friends and associates for financial assistance.
Speaking during an interview on the Mic on Podcast on Saturday, June 20, 2026, Nwaokobia said the level of hardship across the country has become evident in the daily appeals he receives from Nigerians seeking help to feed their families and survive mounting economic pressures.
According to him, the economic realities confronting ordinary citizens have deteriorated significantly in recent years, leaving many people who were previously self-sufficient unable to cope with rising living costs.
“My WhatsApp is always full. Nigerians who were doing well four years ago are begging me, ‘Prof, give me ₦2,000,'” he said.
Nwaokobia linked the growing hardship to the economic challenges that have followed the removal of fuel subsidy and other policy decisions that have triggered sharp increases in transportation costs, food prices and the overall cost of living.
The former presidential candidate argued that while government officials often point to positive macroeconomic indicators, the reality experienced by ordinary Nigerians tells a different story.
He maintained that millions of citizens are grappling with declining purchasing power, despite increases in wages, noting that the average Nigerian worker is worse off today than in previous years.
According to him, the rising number of people seeking financial assistance reflects the depth of poverty and economic distress affecting households across the country.
Nwaokobia said many of those reaching out to him are not habitual dependents but individuals who once maintained stable livelihoods and were able to cater for themselves and their families without external support.
He expressed concern that young Nigerians have been particularly affected by the economic downturn, with many struggling to secure jobs, sustain businesses or meet basic obligations amid persistent inflation and rising living expenses.
The lawyer warned that unless urgent measures are taken to improve living standards and stimulate economic opportunities, more Nigerians could be pushed into poverty.
