ActionAid Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which has been escalating for over one month, and its far-reaching implications for global economic stability and human security in Nigeria.
The group said the effects of the crisis are now fully unfolding, with Nigerians already bearing the weight of rising fuel costs and worsening economic hardship.
Speaking in Abuja, the Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, on Sunday, lamented that despite the sustained impact of this global crisis, there has been no clear or coordinated response from the Federal Government of Nigeria to cushion its effects on citizens.
He said apart from a limited intervention by the Oyo State Government, which announced a ₦10,000 wage support initiative, there has been little visible action across federal and state levels.
“This inaction, one month into the crisis, is deeply concerning.
At current price levels, Nigeria is earning significantly more per barrel than before the crisis. Before the escalation of the conflict, global crude oil prices averaged approximately 75 to 80 dollars per barrel.
“Since the crisis intensified, prices have risen to about 100 dollars per barrel due to supply disruptions in the Middle East. Nigeria’s crude oil production currently averages between 1.3 and 1.5 million barrels per day.
“This increase in global prices translates into higher potential national earnings and a portion of these windfall revenues should have been transparently redirected toward cushioning the effects of rising fuel prices on Nigerians. However, these gains have not been reflected in any form of relief for citizens.”
He disclosed that rapid community engagements conducted by ActionAid Nigeria across several states confirmed that the impact cuts across all segments of society.
“As of today, Petrol prices are currently selling between ₦1,200 and ₦1,400 per litre across many parts of the country, while diesel prices remain persistently high. Nigerians have been grappling with these increases for weeks. Transport fares have surged, food prices continue to rise, and the cost of basic goods and services has escalated beyond affordability.
“With stagnant incomes and high inflation, millions are being pushed deeper into poverty. Workers, transport operators, farmers, students, and small business owners are all experiencing severe strain. Small and medium enterprises are scaling down or shutting operations due to rising diesel and logistics costs.
“Informal workers are facing declining incomes, while farmers and food distributors are struggling with increased transportation costs, worsening food insecurity.
“Across communities, households are adopting distress coping mechanisms. Families are skipping meals, children are missing school due to transport costs, and many are resorting to borrowing to survive.”
He also highlighted a rise in unsafe transport alternatives and informal fuel markets which are clear indicators of widespread economic stress.
“It is unacceptable that Nigerians continue to suffer the consequences of global oil price increases while the country fails to translate its oil wealth into protection for its people.
“The current crisis is not only a result of global tensions but also a reflection of longstanding policy failures, weak regulation, and the absence of adequate social protection systems. Authority.
