The Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Dr. Christopher Odianarewo, has said Nigeria must deliberately convert economic growth into shared prosperity if ordinary citizens are to feel the benefits of the country’s 66 years of independence.‍

Odianarewo, a strategic communications professional and development consultant, stated this while reflecting on Nigeria’s economic development, security, infrastructure and governance challenges.

He said economic progress should not be measured solely by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures, but by the ability of Nigerians to afford basic necessities and secure productive livelihoods.

According to him, “The real test is whether a working family can afford food, transport, housing, education, healthcare and energy; whether young Nigerians can find productive employment; and whether small businesses can survive and grow.”

He noted that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported real GDP growth of 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, but stressed that such growth must translate into improved household purchasing power and better living conditions.

Odianarewo said the PDP believed Nigeria needed an economy anchored on production, industrialisation, agriculture, infrastructure, human capital development and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

He said, “We must move from an economy where citizens struggle merely to survive to one where their work creates dignity, opportunity and wealth.

“Growth must not remain a statistic; it must become a reality in the homes and businesses of Nigerians.”

On security and infrastructure, the PDP spokesman said the Nigerian state had the capacity and responsibility to provide essential public services, including security, electricity, roads, water and public transportation.

He argued that citizens should not be forced to privately provide services that government was expected to deliver.

“Security, electricity, roads, water, public transportation and other essential infrastructure are fundamental responsibilities of a functioning state,” he said.

“Citizens should not have to privately reproduce every service that government is constitutionally and institutionally expected to provide.”

Odianarewo called for stronger coordination among the federal, state and local governments, improved project implementation, transparent procurement, maintenance of existing infrastructure and sustained investment in security and productive infrastructure.

He said Lagos, as a rapidly growing megacity, required integrated planning that addressed transportation, drainage, roads, housing, waste management, power and public safety.

“Those issues cannot be treated as isolated issues,” he said, adding that Nigeria could not build prosperity on a system where those who could afford private alternatives survived while others were left to contend with public sector deficiencies.

On accountability, justice and equal citizenship, Odianarewo said Nigeria could strengthen its institutions, but that doing so would require political leadership, institutional courage and adherence to constitutional principles.

He said the country’s diversity should be treated as a strength rather than used to justify unequal citizenship.

“No Nigerian should receive justice, opportunity or protection because of ethnicity, religion, region or political affiliation,” he said.