Public affairs analyst and investor Uzochukwu Akunedozi has urged Nigerians to focus on adding value to the economy rather than solely criticizing the government, arguing that individual contributions can help alleviate the country’s economic challenges.
Speaking with journalists over the Easter weekend, Akunedozi acknowledged the difficulties facing Nigeria but maintained that the current situation has not been significantly worse than in previous years. He emphasized that while holding government accountable is important, citizens and business owners should also prioritize contributing positively to the system.
“As business people, what we strive for is not just to criticize whoever is in power, but to add value to whatever is going on in Nigeria,” he said. “Yes, definitely; they have a job to do, and we should hold them accountable… But beyond that, personally, I look inward. I believe in doing something different to add value to the environment that I find myself in.”
Akunedozi stressed the collective responsibility of citizens in easing the economic burden on the government. He suggested that if a significant portion of Nigeria’s population—currently over 250 million—contributed value in their respective capacities, the pressure on government institutions would be substantially reduced.
“If each and every one of us decides to add value one way or the other—if 50 million people, or even less, even 10 million people, can decide to add value… I think the pressure, the burden, will reduce a great deal on the government,” he stated.
His comments come amid rising economic pressures in Nigeria, where inflation reached 15.06 percent in February 2026, and the cost of living continues to climb for most citizens. Akunedozi’s perspective offers a call for balanced civic engagement that combines accountability with constructive participation in economic development.
