Atiku Abubakar: Nigerians Priced Out of Decent Living

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the current administration of deteriorating the purchasing power of Nigerians, referencing the Central Bank of Nigeria's Household Expectations Survey. The survey indicated that families are increasingly unable to afford homes, cars, and essential household items, with buying conditions at 28.7 points for vehicles, 28.9 for consumer durables, and 30.0 for buildings.

Willingness to purchase vehicles was at 18.7 points, and for buildings, it was 19.2 points. Atiku stated these figures reflect the economic crisis affecting Nigerians' ability to accumulate assets and improve living standards.

He highlighted that many families are spending their incomes on food, transportation, electricity, and school fees, leaving little for savings. Atiku also linked the survey findings to the rising cost of food, particularly the cost of preparing jollof rice, which averages ₦29,578, consuming over 40% of a minimum wage worker's income.

He criticized the administration for focusing on headline economic indicators while neglecting the real economic struggles of households.