The Minority Caucus of Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently confront the country’s worsening insecurity, rising inflation and persistent corruption, warning that the scale of hardship faced by Nigerians in recent years demands stronger and more deliberate government action.
The appeal was made in a New Year message issued on Thursday and signed by the Minority Leader, Mr Kingsley Chinda, alongside three other principal officers of the caucus. The lawmakers expressed deep concern over the socio-economic pressures endured by citizens in 2025 and challenged the Federal Government to take concrete steps in 2026 to ease widespread suffering.
According to the caucus, Nigeria continues to battle multiple security crises across different regions of the country. Insurgency remains a major threat in the North-East, while banditry and kidnapping persist in the North-West and North-Central. Other parts of the country have also been affected by violent crimes and communal clashes, further eroding public safety.
These security challenges, the lawmakers noted, have had far-reaching consequences. Farming activities have been severely disrupted, many communities have been displaced, and local economies have been weakened as people abandon livelihoods in search of safety. The situation, they said, has compounded existing economic difficulties.
Beyond insecurity, the caucus highlighted unemployment, particularly among young people, as a growing concern. They also criticised the continued prevalence of corruption, which they said undermines public institutions and reduces the effectiveness of government spending on infrastructure and social services. Rising inflation and the high cost of living have, in their view, pushed more Nigerians into poverty and deepened hunger across the country.
Describing the state of the nation in 2025 as alarming, the caucus said the year was marked by fear and uncertainty for many households. “The situation of our country, particularly in 2025, was worrisome and fearful,” the statement read. “Spiralling inflation, debilitating hunger and corrosive poverty were evident in the lives of many people.”
The lawmakers stressed that no meaningful or sustainable development can occur without peace and safety. They urged the Federal Government to prioritise comprehensive security reforms in 2026, alongside targeted efforts to address infrastructure deficits, youth unemployment and what they described as brazen corruption.
They added that government action must be sincere and intentional to restore public confidence and deliver real improvements in living conditions.
While placing responsibility on leaders, the caucus also called on citizens to play their part in nation-building. Emphasising Nigeria’s diversity and abundant human and natural resources, the lawmakers said unity and collaboration across ethnic and social lines are essential to overcoming present challenges.
Reaffirming its role as an opposition bloc, the Minority Caucus pledged to remain resolute in defending the national interest. It assured Nigerians that in 2026 it would continue to scrutinise government actions and pursue legislative interventions aimed at improving security, economic stability and overall well-being.
