Achieving Revenue Targets Useless Without Impact on Citizens – Obi
Nigeria’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the government for failing to address critical financial obligations to citizens despite meeting annual revenue targets ahead of schedule.
In a statement released today, Obi called on authorities to demonstrate “sensitivity and compassion to the suffering masses by deploying resources to critical areas that will help to create jobs to alleviate the people’s hardships.”
The Labour Party leader highlighted the plight of retired public servants and military personnel who continue to protest over unpaid gratuities and pensions, describing the situation as “shameful.”
“It is shameful that those who built this nation with their sweat, those who defended it with their lives, and those who have fulfilled their contractual obligations are reduced to begging for what is rightfully theirs, even after the government boasts of excess revenue,” Obi said.
He also drew attention to the financial struggles facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their supporting institutions. He noted that some are protesting because they “cannot meet their banks’ and staff needs” due to funding shortfalls.
Obi questioned the government’s priorities in light of early revenue achievement, asking: “Why are retired public servants, including service men and women who have risked their lives for the nation, still protesting over unpaid gratuities and pensions?”
The opposition figure emphasised that meeting revenue targets should translate into tangible benefits for citizens, particularly those who have served the nation.
“Achieving revenue targets means nothing if it does not impact the lives of the people, if those who serve and build the nation are left with unpaid entitlements in their difficult years,” he stated.
Concluding his critique, Obi warned against continuing policies that burden citizens financially, declaring: “Our nation must not continue to throw its citizens into debt and despair. It is time for our government to act responsibly and with integrity.”
The statement comes amid ongoing economic challenges in Nigeria, where many retirees and small businesses continue to struggle with delayed payments from government coffers despite reported improvements in revenue collection.
