The minority caucus in the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the growing insecurity and worsening economic hardship across the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a New Year message to Nigerians on Thursday, the opposition lawmakers said 2025 was characterised by what they described as “worrisome and fearful” developments, particularly the surge in insecurity and the deepening economic crisis.
The caucus noted that spiralling inflation, hunger and “corrosive poverty” continued to take a heavy toll on citizens, while unemployment remained a major indicator of underdevelopment.
“No doubt, Nigeria’s progress has been marked by significant challenges that, in many ways, have affected national development,” the statement read.
Looking ahead to 2026, the lawmakers stressed the need for urgent and comprehensive action to restore security across the country.
“In Year 2026, it is necessary to reiterate that there is an urgent need to comprehensively tackle insecurity, because true and meaningful development of a nation and people can only be achieved through peace, and the safety of lives and properties,” they said.
The caucus also urged the Federal Government to “ingeniously” address infrastructure deficits, youth unemployment and what it described as “brazen corruption.”
“To achieve all these, the government must be sincere, deliberate and intentional,” the lawmakers said.
They described Nigeria as a nation blessed with enormous potential, adding that its diversity remained one of its greatest strengths.
“Since no tribe, ethnicity or group, no matter how powerful, can do it alone, we solicit the sincere collaboration and synergy of all and sundry,” the statement said.
“Through these, and other imperatives including believability, inclusivity and mutual trust, Nigeria can overcome every difficulty and achieve sustainable and enduring milestones.”
The legislators urged political leaders at all levels to demonstrate sincerity and commitment in pursuing realistic development across all sectors.
They also appealed to Nigerians to work collectively towards overcoming the country’s challenges in 2026, stressing that no ethnic group or region could build the nation alone.
The caucus reaffirmed its commitment to the general well-being of citizens, saying it remains resolute on national issues requiring legislative inquiry and action.
The statement was jointly signed by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda; Minority Whip, Ali Isa; Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki; and Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi.
