“There Was A Time When This Country Could Lend Money To The World Bank And Other Nations-Nwaokobia

According to Symfoni TV on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, political commentator Chris Nwaokobia criticised Nigerian politicians over the country’s economic difficulties, rising cost of living, corruption and growing number of out-of-school children.

Nwaokobia expressed concern about Nigeria’s economic decline, recalling a period when the country’s currency was stronger against the British pound and the United States dollar.

Speaking during the programme, he said Nigeria had previously enjoyed a stronger economic position, including a period when it could lend money to international institutions and other countries.

“There was a time when this country could lend money to the World Bank and other nations. There was a time when the naira stood at one naira to the pound. There was also a time when one US dollar was equivalent to about 80 kobo,” he said.

The commentator contrasted that period with what he described as the difficult living conditions currently facing many Nigerians.

“Yet, this is the same country where life has become cheap, nasty, short and, as Thomas Hobbes would say, brutish,” Nwaokobia added.

He also raised concerns about insecurity, corruption and the increasing financial pressure on households across the country.

According to him, criminal activities and corruption have become major problems, while the rising cost of essential goods and services has made it difficult for ordinary Nigerians to meet their daily needs.

“Criminality has become the order of the day. Corruption has become Olympic. The cost of living is astronomical, and the average Nigerian finds it difficult to provide for himself and his family,” he said.

Nwaokobia further cited the number of children reportedly excluded from formal education as another indication of the country’s socioeconomic challenges.

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