Q2 GDP Growth Fails To Lift Living Standards, Labour Groups Warn

Q2 GDP Growth Fails To Lift Living Standards, Labour Groups Warn

Nigeria’s 4.43 per cent economic growth recorded in the second quarter of 2026 has come under criticism from labour groups, who say the expansion has yet to translate into improved living standards or stronger purchasing power for ordinary Nigerians.The criticism follows the release of the latest Gross Domestic Product GDP figures, which showed that the Nigerian economy recorded 4.43 per cent growth in the second quarter. While the figure points to continued economic expansion, labour organisations argued that the growth has not been sufficiently felt by workers and households struggling with high prices and declining purchasing power. The unions maintained that an increase in GDP alone does not necessarily reflect an improvement in the welfare of citizens, particularly when the cost of essential goods and services remains high. They said Nigerians continue to face significant economic pressures, including elevated food prices, transportation costs, housing expenses and other household expenditures. The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association NECA acknowledged the positive momentum in the economy but cautioned that the recovery remains fragile. NECA attributed the vulnerability of the recovery to factors including high operating costs, weak consumer demand, infrastructure deficiencies and persistent challenges confronting industries. The employers’ group warned that without sustained measures to address these structural problems, the current economic growth could struggle to translate into stronger industrial activity, job creation and improved household