Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has expressed deep concern over the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria, stating that the suffering of ordinary citizens troubles her the most.
In an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans, Adichie lamented how rising hardship has forced many formerly stable middle-class Nigerians into poverty and even begging.
“Life has become so difficult in Nigeria, and I can see it,” she said. “People who were once securely middle class—who were getting by, even if life wasn’t rosy—are now begging and struggling. That deeply worries me.”
Adichie stressed that the most meaningful political judgement is based on the wellbeing of everyday people.
“I don’t care much about the stock market. What matters to me is how someone earning minimum wage is surviving in today’s economy. Food is incredibly expensive. It’s the suffering of regular Nigerians that concerns me most. It’s terrible.”
She also warned that extreme hardship could drive people to actions they would not normally consider.
“It’s not an excuse for crime, but when life becomes unbearably hard, people who might never have imagined doing certain things start to consider them. That’s dangerous for any society.”
Adichie also reflected on her literary journey, revealing that she faced up to 25 rejections before her debut novel Purple Hibiscus was published. Despite the setbacks, she never considered giving up.
“For me, writing is a calling. It’s what I believe I’m meant to do—it’s almost spiritual,” she said. “Even if I had never been published, I would still be writing. Giving up was never an option, though the rejections were disheartening.”