Donald Duke Critiques Nigeria's Economic Stagnation Since Shagari

Donald Duke, the former governor of Cross River State and presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), expressed concerns about Nigeria's economic stagnation since the Second Republic. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, he noted that the country's population has surged from approximately 76 million to an estimated 230 million, yet the government operates on a budget similar to the $25 billion average annual budget during Shehu Shagari's presidency from 1979 to 1983.

Duke emphasized that this lack of economic growth has resulted in a shrinking economy, evident in the rising poverty, unemployment, and insecurity faced by millions of Nigerians. He criticized the government's focus on projects like the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, arguing that public expenditure should prioritize urgent social and infrastructure needs.

Duke highlighted the importance of creating conditions for productivity within a secure society, pointing to the number of children outside the school system and the increasing population of impoverished Nigerians as critical areas requiring immediate attention.