International Day of Social Justice: CHRICED Calls for Urgent Action Against Inequality In Nigeria
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As the world marks the International Day of Social Justice, the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) is urging the Nigerian government to take concrete steps toward reducing inequality and ensuring fair distribution of resources.
In a statement signed by the organisation’s Programme Manager, Victor Emejuiwe, CHRICED highlighted widening gaps in access to essential services such as healthcare, education, housing, and food security, which continue to marginalise millions of Nigerians.
The organisation criticised the government’s failure to implement inclusive policies, citing that over 133 million Nigerians live in multi-dimensional poverty, while political elites amass wealth through exclusive housing developments and nepotistic appointments.
One major concern raised was the healthcare crisis, where despite the mandatory health insurance scheme, 80% of Nigerians still pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses.
CHRICED also pointed out the alarming housing deficit of 28 million units, exacerbated by government-backed luxury estates that remain unaffordable to ordinary citizens.
The group condemned the surging food inflation, currently at 40%, which has deepened hunger levels across the nation.
Farmers, they noted, struggle with insecurity and lack of modern equipment, while the government prioritises extravagant budgets for entertainment and non-essential expenses.
CHRICED further criticised the federal government’s disregard for the Federal Character principle, noting biased political appointments in key economic and security agencies, which threaten national unity and inclusivity.
To address these issues, CHRICED made six key recommendations, including:
Expanding health insurance coverage to 70% of Nigerians by 2027.
Prioritising mass housing schemes, free basic education, and farming subsidies.
Appointing a qualified professional as Minister of Petroleum, instead of the President holding the position.
Ensuring merit-based appointments across all sectors.
Granting state status to the FCT to empower its original inhabitants.
As the International Day of Social Justice serves as a global call for fairness and equality, CHRICED stressed that Nigeria’s leaders must act now to bridge the inequality gap and build a nation where resources and opportunities are accessible to all and not just a privileged few.
