Renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has voiced her deep concerns regarding the escalating economic hardships in Nigeria, highlighting that many former middle-class citizens have been pushed into destitution. In a recent interview on Channels Television’s program “Amazing Africans,” Adichie emphasized that the suffering of ordinary Nigerians is the most troubling aspect of the current national crisis.
Adichie remarked, “Life has become so hard in Nigeria, and I can see it. People who were once securely middle class, though not living in luxury, are now begging and in need. That worries me greatly.” She pointed to the dramatic rise in the cost of living, particularly food prices, asserting that the effectiveness of a government should be measured by its impact on the everyday lives of its citizens.
“The level of suffering, how expensive food has become… I think the biggest political judgment one can make is about the lives of ordinary people,” she stated. Adichie noted that while discussions about the stock market may abound, her primary concern lies with those earning minimum wage and struggling to survive in the current economic climate.
Moreover, she warned that increasing hardship could lead even law-abiding citizens to consider illegal activities. “It’s not to excuse crime, but I think when life gets very hard, even people who before would not have considered certain things might suddenly be willing to, and that’s dangerous to society,” she cautioned.
Reflecting on her own literary journey, Adichie shared how she faced over two dozen rejections before her debut novel, Purple Hibiscus, was published. Despite these setbacks, she affirmed her unwavering commitment to writing, stating, “The thought of quitting writing is never an option for me… even if I hadn’t been published, I would still be writing today.”
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, Adichie’s insights underscore the urgent need for government action to alleviate the suffering of its citizens and address the widening gap between economic realities and the aspirations of the populace.
