Chimamanda Decries Harsh Economy, Says Nigeria’s Middle Class Now Reduced To Desperation And Begging [VIDEO]

 

Acclaimed Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has expressed profound concern over the deteriorating state of the Nigerian economy, especially its devastating impact on everyday citizens. Speaking on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans, the award-winning author painted a bleak picture of how economic hardship has gradually crushed the country’s middle class, reducing many who once lived modest but stable lives to a state of despair and dependence.

Voicing her distress during the interview, Chimamanda reflected on what she described as the troubling shift from modest self-sufficiency to visible need among those once considered part of Nigeria’s middle economic tier. According to her, this disturbing trend is not just a reflection of national economic failure but a measure of political failure as well.

Life in Nigeria, she said, has become unrelentingly difficult. For many families who had previously managed to survive on average incomes, today’s reality is a painful contrast. They now face daily decisions between basic needs like food, transportation, and education. The pressures are no longer subtle; they are crushing and ever-present.

“The people I grew up knowing as middle-class, people who had a little pride and independence in their lives, are now asking for help,” she said. “They are not lazy, they’re not irresponsible. But they simply cannot cope anymore.”

The Enugu-born author believes that evaluating a government’s performance should never revolve around stock indices or economic growth rates on paper. For her, the real benchmark lies in the quality of life enjoyed by the common person. She was particularly vocal about the need to shift focus away from elite economic indicators and instead examine the conditions faced by those at the bottom and middle rungs of the socioeconomic ladder.

“There’s all this talk about stock markets and foreign investment. That’s not what truly matters to me. What matters is whether someone earning minimum wage can buy food, pay rent, and get medicine,” she emphasized.

The price of food and other essentials has skyrocketed in recent times, leaving even once-comfortable households struggling to make ends meet. She acknowledged that while personal choices still matter, desperation can push individuals to cross moral boundaries they once upheld firmly. For her, the rising levels of hardship are not just economic issues but social and ethical concerns.

While refusing to justify criminal activity, she pointed out that hardship often becomes fertile ground for dangerous decisions. “When someone is hungry for too long, their sense of right and wrong begins to blur. This is how societies break down. It is frightening.”

Beyond her social commentary, Chimamanda offered a rare glimpse into her personal journey as a writer. She recalled the painful experience of having her debut novel, Purple Hibiscus, rejected by publishers over 25 times. The process, though disheartening, never pushed her to abandon her craft.

For her, writing goes beyond ambition or fame. It is, she says, a calling.

“Writing is not just a career for me. It’s spiritual. It’s why I believe I was placed here on Earth,” she revealed. “Even if I had never been published, I would still write. It’s not about validation from the world. It’s about fulfilling what I know I’m meant to do.”

Despite the initial setbacks, Chimamanda’s work has since earned her global recognition and a place among Africa’s most celebrated literary voices. Yet, even with her success, her commitment to Nigeria’s future and the wellbeing of its people remains deeply personal.

As she continues to tell stories that resonate across continents, Chimamanda remains grounded in the realities of her homeland. Her voice, shaped by empathy and clarity, cuts through the noise of political rhetoric, reminding leaders and citizens alike that real progress must begin with care for the most vulnerable.

Her remarks serve not just as critique but as a plea for a more compassionate and accountable governance in Nigeria. As she puts it, the country’s progress cannot be measured by numbers alone. It must be measured by the dignity, security, and hope of its people.