Nigerian Authors Urge Government to Soften Economic Reform Impact
ANA President Usman Akanbi warns that current economic policies must prioritize citizen welfare over hardship.
1Call for Human-Centric Reform
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has formally requested that the federal government implement economic reforms with a human-centric approach. During the 45th International Convention in Abuja, President Usman Akanbi emphasized that while structural changes are necessary, they must not be perceived as punitive measures against the struggling Nigerian population.
2Economic Hardship and Hope
Akanbi highlighted that the current economic crunch is causing a significant decline in living standards across the nation. He argued that government success should be measured by citizen welfare rather than abstract metrics. Without restoring hope for young Nigerians, the president warned that even the most well-intentioned reforms will ultimately fail.
3Prioritizing Hinterland Infrastructure
The association criticized the current focus on coastal and border road projects at the expense of rural connectivity. Akanbi stated that roads connecting farms to markets are essential for national stability. He urged the government to prioritize these vital routes, noting that a nation is fed and held together by its hinterland.
4Security as a Censor
Insecurity remains a critical barrier to both national development and artistic expression in Nigeria. Akanbi described violence as the greatest censor of the Nigerian imagination, preventing farmers from accessing fields and children from attending school safely. He emphasized that writers cannot flourish in an environment dominated by fear and constant danger.
5Political Conduct for 2027
As the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, the ANA president called for restraint among political actors. He urged politicians to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and ensure the electoral process remains free from bitterness. Akanbi stressed that politics should not be treated as a war, but as a collective national task.
6Reclaiming the National Narrative
Nigerian authors have been tasked with reclaiming the country's narrative from international portrayals of fear and insecurity. Akanbi encouraged writers to produce works that acknowledge current challenges while highlighting the nation's possibilities. This effort aims to foster a more balanced global image and promote cultural diplomacy through literature and creative expression.
7Overcoming Internal Association Crisis
The association has successfully navigated a period of internal division that began following the 2019 convention in Enugu. Legal disputes and fractured leadership threatened the organization's existence as a professional body. Akanbi credited the resilience of trustees, elders, and state chapters for maintaining the association's unity during this difficult period of transition.
8Future Institutional Development
ANA plans to focus on institutional growth, including completing the Mamman Jiya Vatsa Writers’ Village in Mpape. The facility is intended to serve as an international creative resort and sanctuary for writers. Additionally, the association aims to revive literary clubs in schools and provide workshops to support both established and emerging authors.
9Collective Responsibility for Growth
The convention concluded with a call for deeper cooperation between citizens and public officials. Akanbi reiterated that nation-building is a shared responsibility that requires responsible governance and active civic participation. By aligning policy with public welfare, the government can foster the stability necessary for Nigeria to thrive in the coming years.