By Felicia Imohimi, News Agency of Nigeria, Abuja.
ActionAid Nigeria, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has launched the Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTiON), aimed at promoting collective action to address social and institutional poverty in the country.
MOTiON brings together Nigerians from mass democratic and workers’ organisations, pro-democracy movements, social justice advocates, women and youth groups, among others.
The movement was unveiled on Friday in Abuja during a nationwide #PotsAndPan protest held to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed annually on Oct. 17.
The theme for 2025 is “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment by Ensuring Respect and Effective Support for Families”.
Speaking at the event, Mr Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, said the initiative seeks to promote citizens’ engagement in efforts to reduce poverty and improve governance outcomes.
He noted that, according to World Bank estimates, about 139 million Nigerians live in poverty, adding that MOTiON was established to encourage dialogue and collaboration towards addressing the situation.
Mamedu said the movement would focus on improving democratic processes, strengthening leadership accountability, and tackling poverty through inclusive reforms.
He called on the government to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, strengthen the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and uphold transparency in public administration.
He also urged adequate funding for anti-corruption agencies and adherence to open tendering processes in public procurement.
Mamedu said the movement would continue to work with partners to identify and address factors contributing to poverty, including weak institutions, corruption, and limited access to basic services.
He reaffirmed ActionAid’s commitment to its 10-year strategy of supporting five million Nigerians to move out of poverty by 2035.
According to him, achieving this goal requires deliberate action by governments at all levels, particularly at the sub-national level, through effective policy implementation.
He recalled that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported in 2022 that 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, with most residing in rural areas.
Convener of MOTiON, Mrs Hauwa Mustapha, said the initiative seeks to promote collaboration among citizens and groups working to reduce poverty and hunger.
She highlighted MOTiON’s priorities to include credible elections, expansion of school feeding programmes, effective implementation of cash transfer initiatives, anti-corruption measures, and job creation.
Mustapha called for joint efforts to improve living conditions and ensure better opportunities for future generations.
Participants at the event carried placards with messages advocating good governance, equity, and improved social welfare.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA