“Middle Class Is Disappearing” — Oseni Warns of Deepening Economic Collapse

 Broadcast journalist Rufai Oseni raised concerns on Thursday about Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship and declining confidence in the judiciary.

Speaking on Voice of the People (VOP) 90.3 FM Frontpage review programme, he warned that citizens are bearing the brunt of policy failures.

“Hunger knows no party. We are seeing a situation in which macroeconomic projections are prioritised over human lives. The middle class is not just struggling; it is disappearing,” Mr Oseni said during the programme.

The remarks come amid rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures following recent economic reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange rate.

At the same time, recent election tribunal rulings have sparked debates over whether judicial outcomes reflect the true will of the electorate.

Analysts warned that the combined effect of economic hardship and declining trust in democratic institutions could deepen public frustration and weaken national stability.

The shrinking middle class, he noted, signals broader structural stress within the economy.

Security fears and failing protection systems

Expanding the discussion, Mr Oseni criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, noting a resurgence in kidnappings and banditry across several regions.

“We cannot keep spending billions on security hardware if intelligence gathering remains porous. Citizens are paying with their lives,” he said, calling for accountability and improved local intelligence systems.

Background

Nigeria is currently facing one of its toughest economic periods in decades, marked by high inflation, rising fuel prices, and widespread hardship. Simultaneously, concerns over judicial independence and security challenges continue to shape public discourse, as citizens demand more responsive governance and institutional accountability.