By Halima Abdulazeez
It’s heart-wrenching to witness the disdain with which some political leaders view the poor, wishing they allowed the poor to breathe in reality. This narrative that people are poor because they are lazy is not only false but dangerously misleading. It serves as a convenient tool for those who benefit from the current system, allowing them to justify inequality and deflect attention from the true roots of poverty: systemic exploitation and the deliberate creation of economic hardship.
In Nigeria, poverty isn’t a reflection of individual shortcomings; it’s the direct consequence of a system designed to favour the wealthy elite at the expense of the working class. The accusation of “laziness” is a smokescreen, obscuring the stark reality that millions are trapped in a relentless cycle of survival, constantly struggling to meet their most basic needs.
As Abayomi Odunowo eloquently stated in an article for African Baobab 2024, the urgency of this situation is underscored by the fact that a significant portion of the population now lives on the precipice of despair, going through tonnes of challenges that relentlessly push them further into the abyss of poverty. This crisis is only exacerbated by the disturbing trend of ignoring the legitimate cries for help from fellow citizens. Such indifference breeds mistrust and cultivates hostility among communities. When pleas for assistance go unanswered, the vulnerable are labelled as needy and beggarly, further complicating their already dire circumstances. This cruel cycle of victimisation not only discredits those who genuinely wish to lend a helping hand but also perpetuates the deep-seated inequality that defines Nigerian society.
Too often, palliatives are touted as solutions. They are, in reality, mere political theatre, a cynical charade that mocks the average Nigerian and portrays their desperation as a thirst for handouts rather than a fundamental hunger for opportunity. We see men and women contorting themselves, risking their lives, to board crowded buses, grown men and women lapping themselves to reduce the excessive transport fares. A poignant message of resilience in the face of adversity. If the system were truly working, wouldn’t these individuals have better options, more dignified paths to pursue?
It’s easy to level accusations of a lack of dignity among the underprivileged. But where is the corresponding outrage over the unconscionably low wages that fall far below the standard cost of living? Where is the collective demand for policies that empower business owners to provide a real-time, living wage, supported by adequate funding and robust oversight?
Countless Nigerians grapple with stagnant salaries that fail to keep pace with the ever-rising cost of inflation. This cruel reality leaves families struggling to afford even the most basic necessities: a safe place to live, nutritious food on the table, and reliable transportation to work. The crushing weight of this constant financial insecurity takes an immense mental and physical toll, contributing to soaring rates of mental illness and debilitating physical ailments. This is not simply hardship; it’s a calculated assault on the well-being of a nation.
At its core, human dignity is rooted in the ability to provide a stable home, nutritious food, and decent clothing for one’s family, and to ensure personal well-being. When a system actively prevents individuals in weaponised poverty, transforming it into a tool for suppression against those who dissent or simply belong to marginalised communities. This abhorrent strategy is evident in the divide-and-rule tactics employed against labour unions and civil society organisations, silencing voices of dissent and hindering collective action. Even more egregious is the systemic refusal to pay wages that support a dignified, real-time minimum cost of living, effectively trapping millions in a cycle of perpetual deprivation.
The truth is undeniable, the system is rigged. Those at the top are actively benefiting from our collective hardship, perpetuating a cycle of inequality that undermines society. We seek more than fleeting handouts; we demand the opportunity to thrive, to build a better future for ourselves and our children.
It’s time we unite to address the roots of this crisis and work collectively towards solutions. The time for complacency is over. We must demand accountability from our leaders, challenge the narratives that perpetuate inequality, and work together to create a Nigeria where everyone has the opportunity to live a life of dignity, purpose, and prosperity. The choice is ours: continue down the path of escalating inequality, or forge a new path towards a just and equitable society for all.
For real this time, let the Poor Breathe
Halima Abdulazeez is a poet and the author of the poetry collection “Soul Rants: A Journey from Within.” She is the Communication Officer at the Caprecon Foundation, the Treasurer of PEN International, the Nigerian Centre, and she resides in Lagos.
Contact: +234-8034816865 (mailt.