Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu's government, citing escalating insecurity and a deteriorating economy, where Nigerians now treat ransom payments as if they were everyday expenses.

The statement, issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, on Thursday, highlights the disconnect between Nigeria’s mounting debt—compared by the presidency to other African nations—and the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.

"It is both astonishing and insulting that at a time when millions of Nigerians can barely afford one meal a day, the presidency is celebrating debt figures as though indebtedness were an achievement.

“In many parts of Nigeria today, travelling by road has become a gamble with death. Families go to bed praying not to receive midnight calls announcing the abduction of loved ones,” he said.

He added that ransom payments have now become part of daily life for many families.

“Ransom payments have become as routine as school fees and house rent in many homes,” Atiku said.

The former Vice President also blamed rising insecurity for the collapse of food production, saying farmers can no longer access their farmlands due to attacks by armed groups.

"As a result, food production has declined sharply, leading to hunger, rising prices, and widespread hardship,” he added.

While recognizing the potential benefits of borrowing when properly managed, Atiku contended that Nigeria’s present debt level has not led to better living standards. He also criticized the government for prioritizing propaganda over tackling genuine economic and security issues, calling for immediate measures to halt further deterioration.