By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised alarm over the rising cost of living, warning that the country is approaching a socio-economic breaking point driven by inflation, unemployment, and weak economic management.

In a statement on Monday, HURIWA National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the situation reflects “a catastrophic rise in the cost of living” and a “troubling absence of accountability.”

“The country is fast approaching a socio-economic breaking point driven by policy missteps, weak economic management, and a troubling absence of accountability,” he said.

Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics and assessments by the World Bank, the group said inflation, food prices, and declining purchasing power have worsened living conditions for millions of Nigerians.

“Runaway inflation, crushing food prices, and a steady erosion of purchasing power have become the daily reality for Nigerians,” Onwubiko stated.

He added that unemployment has reached alarming levels, with many Nigerians excluded from economic opportunities.

“Millions of young Nigerians remain locked out of meaningful economic participation, while those employed face declining real incomes. The informal sector is itself under severe strain,” he said.

HURIWA also criticised rising petrol prices in the country, describing the situation as paradoxical for a major oil-producing nation.

“It is both ironic and indefensible that Nigeria, a major crude oil producer, now records some of the highest petrol prices among oil-producing nations. This reflects a profound failure in energy policy,” Onwubiko said.

The group further faulted the power sector, noting that unreliable electricity supply continues to cripple businesses and households.

“Businesses are collapsing under the weight of unreliable electricity, households are forced into expensive alternatives, and economic productivity continues to suffer,” he said, adding that the lack of measurable progress in the sector “underscores a systemic governance failure.”

On fiscal management, HURIWA accused the government of poor implementation of capital budgets, describing it as a breach of public trust.

“The apparent disregard for the Appropriation Act—through delayed releases, poor execution, and lack of transparency—amounts to a serious breach of public trust and constitutional responsibility,” Onwubiko said.

The group warned that Nigeria cannot sustain the current trajectory without severe consequences.

“Nigeria cannot continue on this trajectory without severe consequences,” he cautioned.

HURIWA called for immediate interventions, including fast-tracking domestic refining to stabilise fuel prices, implementing an emergency food security plan, reforming the power sector, enforcing budget discipline, and expanding social protection for vulnerable citizens.

“Governance must translate into measurable improvement in the lives of citizens. At present, the gap between policy pronouncements and lived reality is dangerously wide,” Onwubiko said.

He urged the government to act decisively to avert further deterioration.

“Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The government must move beyond promises and act with urgency, competence, and transparency. Anything less risks deepening public despair and eroding national cohesion,” he added.

“The Nigerian people deserve relief. They deserve accountability. And they deserve leadership that works.”