Nigerians now pay ransom like house rent, school fees – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening insecurity and economic hardship, saying many Nigerians now treat ransom payments like routine household expenses.

Atiku made the remarks in a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

He said it was “astonishing and insulting” for the presidency to celebrate Nigeria’s debt profile at a time when citizens are struggling to afford basic meals.

Atiku argued that insecurity across the country has made road travel dangerous, with families living in fear of abductions and violent attacks.

He added that ransom payments have become normalised in many households due to frequent kidnappings.

“Ransom payments have become as routine as school fees and house rent in many homes,” he said.

The former Vice President also linked rising insecurity to declining agricultural production, noting that farmers are increasingly unable to access their farmlands due to attacks by armed groups.

According to him, this disruption has contributed to reduced food output, rising prices, hunger, and worsening living conditions.

While acknowledging that borrowing can be beneficial if properly managed, Atiku said Nigeria’s current debt has not translated into improved welfare for citizens.

He accused the government of focusing on propaganda instead of addressing urgent economic and security challenges, and urged immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the situation.