NewStats: 3,263,690 , 8,181,029 topics. Date: Saturday, 07 June 2025 at 10:25 AM k4e5w

50 Million Nigerian spenders powering Africa's Economic Revolution
By Abdulrazaq Hamzat

It is often said that "Nigeria is the poverty capital of the world." This phrase has been repeated so often, it has become a global mantra. Headlines scream about 100 million Nigerians living below the poverty line, and that is indeed a crisis.

But in our collective obsession with this statistic, we are missing something far more powerful, far more urgent and far more hopeful.

Nigeria is not just the land of the poor. It is the home of 50 million economic warriors, men and women who spend between $11 and $110 every single day. These Nigerians are not depending on the government, the UN, or NGOs to survive. They are surviving and thriving in spite of the system.

They are the unsung middle class, Nigeria’s silent economic revolutionaries. And their story is the greatest untapped economic narrative of the 21st century.

Numbers Don't Lie

Let’s be clear, 50 million Nigerians spending an average of $30 per day equals $1.5 billion in daily economic activity, over $540 billion annually. That is more than the GDP of South Africa, Egypt or Morocco.

In pure spending , this Nigerian segment outpaces entire countries of Europe such as, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Spain and Belgium etc.

Yet, these Nigerians don’t feature in global investment maps. They don’t influence fiscal policy. They are rarely counted, never studied, and almost always ignored.

This is not just an oversight. It is an economic tragedy.

The Real Engine of Nigeria

These 50 million Nigerians are the reason Nigeria hasn’t collapsed under the weight of corruption, fuel subsidy politics, epileptic electricity, or broken institutions. They are the ones powering the informal economy, which contributes nearly 60% of Nigeria’s GDP.

They are Small business owners creating jobs in harsh environments, Digital professionals freelancing across borders without stable power, Traders paying multiple taxes to survive, Artisans sending their kids to school without government help and Young people building startups in tech, agriculture, and manufacturing.

They are not asking for handouts. They are asking for a system that works as hard as they do.

Why the Silence?
Why does nobody talk about them? It is because development conversations in Nigeria are either about saving the poor or protecting the rich. The middle is invisible. They are not desperate enough to attract pity, and not powerful enough to demand policy.

But that is exactly why they matter. They are the bridge between survival and transformation.

If empowered, with electricity, internet, infrastructure, access to capital, and fair governance, these 50 million Nigerians will unlock a $5 trillion economy within a decade.

What Nigeria Must Do

This is a call for radical rethinking. Our policymakers must stop deg for donors and start deg for the people who are already moving this economy. They should create policies that remove friction, reduce taxes, eliminate double regulation, and open credit for small players.

Investors coming to Nigeria should look again, where they should prioritize their investment. The gold mine is not just in oil or infrastructure deals. It’s in the wallets of 50 million everyday Nigerians who spend, consume, build, and grow daily.

Additionally, our media must balance the poverty story with the productivity story. Showcase the builders. Spotlight the innovators. Elevate the economic stimulators.

And finally, the International Institutions. You say you want to empower Africa? Then empower the class that is already empowering themselves, not with aid or humanitarian interventions, but access to credit at least interest rate for economic progression.

A New Nigerian Story

Nigeria’s greatest resource is not its oil, not its land, and not even its population.

It is this 50 million active, aspirational people, building the future one naira at a time.

They are proof that Nigeria is not a failed state, but an unrecognized miracle.

Let’s stop defining Nigeria by its bottom 100 million and start seeing the power of its rising 50 million. Because if these Nigerians are given the tools they need, they won’t just lift the country out of poverty, they will lift it into prosperity.

And when they rise, Nigeria will no longer be the world’s poverty capital.

It will be the world’s most surprising economic success story.

Abdulrazaq Hamzat is a multidimensional policy analyst, Energy Economics and Executive Director of Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro). He can be reached at [email protected]

Nigeria’s youngest lawmaker, 27, Rukayat’s Energy Bill es first reading in Kwara Assembly


By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

In a landmark step toward energy reform, the Kwara State House of Assembly has taken the first reading of the Kwara State Electric Power Sector Bill, 2025, sponsored by Nigeria’s youngest lawmaker, Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu.


The bill, which ed its first reading during Tuesday’s plenary, seeks to repeal the Electricity Board Laws of 1992 and 2006 and establish a progressive legal framework for electricity generation and distribution in Kwara State.

Hon. Shittu, who represents Owode/Onire constituency, stated that the bill is a bold and timely response to the persistent challenges of unreliable electricity across the state. She emphasised that the proposed legislation is designed to decentralise power supply, attract private investment, and stimulate economic development.

“This bill is about creating an enabling environment for reliable power and empowering our communities through decentralised electricity networks,” said Hon. Shittu during the session.

At 27 years old, Hon. Shittu is Nigeria’s youngest serving lawmaker and continues to make impactful legislative contributions.

She noted that the bill aligns with recent constitutional amendments empowering state governments to regulate electricity within their jurisdictions, a move that opens new opportunities for subnational innovation and energy independence.

of the House commended the initiative, describing it as a forward-thinking move that could open the door to independent power projects (IPPs), private sector participation, and expanded energy access for rural and urban communities alike.

The bill now proceeds to the second reading, where lawmakers will deliberate on its principles and implications for Kwara’s future energy landscape.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2025/05/nigerias-youngest-lawmaker-27-rukayats-energy-bill-es-first-reading-in-kwara-assembly/amp/

Gbenga Olawepo Hashim Reveals How NANS Once Functioned as a Parallel Government


In a recent interview with *The Bridge Podcast*, Presidential hopeful Gbenga Olawepo Hashim shared fascinating insights into how the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) once operated like a parallel government in Nigeria during the military regime. Hashim, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and former leader of NANS, recalled how the student body exerted immense influence on the country's political landscape, even challenging the authority of military rulers.

He explained that during those times, NANS had the power to shut down the country with protests that could last for weeks, effectively halting operations and drawing international attention to their cause. “We could bring the entire nation to a standstill with our protests,” Hashim said. “NANS wasn’t just a student body; it was a movement that could shake the very foundations of the government.”

Hashim highlighted the network that NANS established with international bodies, including the United Nations, to amplify their voice on global platforms. He described how the student body would use its position to not only challenge the government domestically but also to garner international for their cause, positioning NANS as an influential political force on the global stage.

He revealed that during periods of intense unrest, influential figures like the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife were often deployed to mediate and persuade student leaders to ease their protests and allow for dialogue with the government. These traditional leaders, revered figures in Nigerian society, were crucial in bridging the gap between the students and the military government.

Hashim also reflected on the unique dynamic of student leadership during those years. “In those days, student leaders didn’t go around begging politicians for favors. In fact, it was the other way around,” he explained. “Presidential candidates would come to our hostels, seeking opportunities to meet with us. NANS was the place where political leaders wanted to be seen.”

The former student leader’s revelations paint a picture of a time when NANS held an unrivaled position in Nigerian politics, with the power to challenge and even dictate the political agenda. Hashim’s reflections underscore the importance of student activism in shaping Nigeria's political history and serve as a reminder of the impact youth movements can have on the course of national events.

As Hashim now eyes the presidency, his recollections of NANS’ role as a parallel government offer valuable insights into the role that student activism and youth-led movements can play in the pursuit of democratic governance and social change.

How NANS once ruled Nigeria

Full Video ⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEEJuK2iuT4?si=Qa24PILTj05UmNo8

How does this affect the subject

swagifted:
Yes, its a successful lobbying act if you ask me

You are right

crossfm:
Hehehe .

Gaslighting Nigerians to please politicians .

We must hold our government responsible, Nigeria is too rich to toe the part he is talking about. All the billions in the budget must be ed for. Our leaders are irresponsible,once they notice individuals doing their duties,they will totally abandone all their responsibilities to individuals.

Yes, individuals should now do the job of the government after paying their tax too.

This guy must not find his way to any government position,if not the looting will be massive. If you think am lying ask Rochas Okorocha.

Just imagine the billions generated from only transfer we do in Nigeria,yet no return for our tax.

Always watch clips before reacting inappropriately.

I secured 48 federal appointments to Kwara in 1999 and no Governor has matched that- Gbenga Hashim


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBr3FVeAHac?si=VORCms_8atUzs-dL

Host in tug of war over Gbenga Hashim


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Ef3baMPq4?si=RRPHLx19VUh7mXDz

Oil and Gas will be irrelevant in 20years


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE4u5hL07Y0?si=KnnApMN_XP6iy88L

When Nigeria once Bankrolled Russia and Dubai


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1sbrS4eSkU?si=cKj-wrPHxe10Flam

Speaking Truth Power: Gbenga Olawepo Hashim's unfiltered message for Nigeria's Next Generation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEEJuK2iuT4?si=-SiXFToeoVi6Fw3g

In a Gripping New Episode of The Bridge Podcast, Gbenga Hashim Breaks Silence on Politics, Paternity, and Purpose.

In the latest episode of The Bridge Podcast, businessman and presidential hopeful Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim opens up like never before, sharing deeply personal stories about his life, family, civil rights activism, rise to political relevance, and his unwavering vision for a greater Nigeria.

From recounting how he quietly secured 48 federal appointments for Kwara indigenes in 1999, to personally funding an asphalt road project in Ilorin after decades of government neglect, Hashim paints a compelling picture of service grounded in principle not publicity.

He speaks with rare candor about his personal background, including his connection to Kebbi State and matters of paternity. He also reflects on his role in Nigeria’s struggle against military rule, his 30-year friendship with the current governor of Kwara State, and the troubling trend of excessive political showmanship.

Hashim makes a ionate call for wealthy citizens to actively developmental efforts across the country, urging a return to impact-driven leadership.

This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a powerful masterclass in purpose, patriotism, and legacy.

Episode 6 of The Bridge Podcast is now streaming. Don’t miss it.

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Why Kwara Choose a new beginning with Otoge


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB3k8sWwUbU?si=e0N6T1ORh1BhUP17

This is not the Kwara we used to know


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRfmAhYBxTs?si=eJ6dkNz_ck1r74eU

How Saraki lost his way


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKGjRBr78J8?si=8wRpTeZw57dOssP-

How we ended Saraki Dynasty: Hon Akaje Opens up on The Bridge Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xwOkOZim7Q?si=yewl6oUC2NkQ5TnS

In this explosive episode of The Bridge Podcast, we sit down with Hon. Ibrahim Akaje, two time commissioner, seasoned youth leader, political strategist, and former Chairman of the Lagos APC Appeal Committee, for an unfiltered deep dive into the political forces shaping Kwara State and beyond.

Hon. Akaje opens up about the controversial Kwara Hotel saga, revealing untold tensions and behind the scenes decisions that sparked public debate. He takes us back to the heart of the Ó Tó Gẹ́ movement, dissecting its roots, its momentum, and how it brought down one of Nigeria’s most powerful political dynasties.

But that’s just the beginning.

This episode isn’t just a conversation, it’s a political masterclass, a historic reckoning, and a powerful reflection from a man who helped shape the tides of change.