Chimamanda Adichie Raises Alarm Over Growing Hardship in Nigeria

Renowned Nigerian author and global literary figure, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has expressed deep concern over the worsening economic hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Adichie said the level of suffering in the country is heartbreaking and has pushed many former middle-class citizens into poverty.

“Life has become so hard in Nigeria, and I can see it,” she said. “People who were once considered securely middle class—maybe not rich, but at least getting by—are now begging to survive. That worries me greatly.”

She pointed out that the true success of any government should be measured by the well-being of its people, not by stock market figures or economic jargon.

“I don’t really care about things like the stock market. What matters to me is how the person earning minimum wage is surviving in today’s economy. That’s the real political judgment,” Adichie stated.

She also noted how the rising cost of food and basic necessities has created a dangerous atmosphere, where even morally upright people may consider desperate actions just to survive.

“It’s not to excuse crime,” she clarified, “but when life gets really hard, people who would never have imagined doing certain things might feel forced to. That’s dangerous for society.”

Her comments resonate with the reality millions of Nigerians are facing—soaring food prices, shrinking incomes, and widespread unemployment.

As someone who consistently speaks out on national issues, Adichie’s latest remarks are a sobering reflection of what many consider a deepening crisis of survival in the country.