Nigeria’s Middle Class Reduced To Begging Amid Economic Crisis, Warns Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has issued a stark warning about Nigeria’s escalating economic hardship, revealing that many once-stable middle-class citizens are now resorting to begging to survive. Speaking on Channels Television’s *Amazing Africans* on 3 August 2025, Adichie painted a grim picture of a nation where soaring costs and financial instability have eroded the livelihoods of ordinary people.
The acclaimed writer, known for works like *Half of a Yellow Sun* and *Americanah*, expressed deep concern over the plight of Nigeria’s middle class, who she said are no longer able to “get by” as they once did. “Life has become so hard in Nigeria,” she remarked. “People who were formerly securely middle class are now people who beg and are in need. That worries me greatly.” Her comments highlight the devastating impact of the country’s economic challenges, with skyrocketing prices for essentials like food pushing families into desperation.
Adichie, currently in Nigeria to promote her new novel *Dream Count*, stressed that her focus is on the real struggles of everyday citizens rather than abstract economic metrics. “I don’t care about the stock market,” she said. “What I care about is that person with an almost minimum wage job—how are they managing in this economy?” Her words reflect a growing disconnect between official economic narratives and the lived experiences of Nigerians facing unprecedented hardship.
The author also warned of the broader societal consequences of such widespread poverty. While not endorsing illegal actions, she noted that economic desperation could drive people to extreme measures. “When life gets very hard, even those who wouldn’t have considered certain things before are suddenly willing to,” she said. “That’s dangerous for society.” Her remarks point to the risks of social unrest as economic pressures mount.
Nigeria’s economic woes, fuelled by a reliance on volatile oil revenues and a weakened naira, have intensified the cost-of-living crisis, leaving many middle-class households struggling to afford basic necessities. Adichie’s powerful critique, echoed in discussions across social media platforms, this has sparked renewed calls for leadership to address the crisis. Her voice adds urgency to the need for policies that restore financial stability and dignity to Nigeria’s beleaguered middle class.
