Oil, Upheaval, and the Unheard: How Nigeria’s Oil Crisis Hurts Women and Children the Most
- Sean Brown
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
By Uche NextGEN Foundation Inc.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, has long depended on its oil reserves as a major economic engine. But behind the billion-dollar industry lies a painful paradox — despite this natural wealth, millions of Nigerians, especially women and children, remain trapped in poverty. In recent years, the mismanagement of the oil sector, the removal of fuel subsidies, and persistent corruption have deepened this crisis, with the country’s most vulnerable paying the highest price.
The Crumbling Foundation: What’s Happening in the Oil Industry?
For decades, Nigeria relied heavily on oil revenues, using them to fund infrastructure, public services, and imports. However, years of mismanagement, underinvestment in refining capacity, and a lack of transparency have weakened the industry’s sustainability.
In 2023, the Nigerian government removed the longstanding fuel subsidy, claiming it was necessary to curb corruption and redirect funds toward social programs. While the decision was economically rational on paper, its execution without adequate safety nets has devastated everyday Nigerians.
How This Crisis Affects Women and Children Directly
💰 Soaring Costs of Living
The removal of the fuel subsidy led to an immediate and drastic rise in transportation and energy costs. For low-income families — particularly those led by single mothers — the increase in food, water, school fees, and basic goods has made daily survival harder than ever.
“Where I used to feed my children twice a day, now we share one meal,” says Chiamaka, a street vendor in Enugu.
🔌 Limited Access to Energy
With unreliable power and unaffordable fuel for generators, many communities have plunged deeper into energy poverty. This means no light for children to study at night, and reduced productivity for women who run small home-based businesses.
🏥 Healthcare in Crisis
Transportation costs for accessing clinics and hospitals have tripled in some regions. Women in rural areas often choose between feeding their families and seeking healthcare. This leads to more maternal and child deaths, untreated illnesses, and a rise in unsafe births.
📚 School Dropouts and Gender Inequality
As household expenses rise, education becomes a luxury. Girls are the first to be pulled out of school to save costs or help generate income. This not only denies them their right to education but also increases the risk of early marriage and exploitation.
💼 Loss of Economic Independence
Women in the informal sector — market traders, hairdressers, caterers — rely heavily on fuel for transportation and business operations. The skyrocketing costs have forced many to shut down or scale back their businesses, pushing them further into dependency and poverty.
The Corruption Factor
Despite massive oil revenues over the years, corruption has siphoned billions away from essential services. Reports of unaccounted oil revenues, inflated subsidies, and elite profiteering are not new. The resulting budget shortfalls have meant weakened public services, little investment in education or healthcare, and zero cushioning for the most affected.
What Needs to Change
🛡️ Protective Economic Policies
Subsidy reforms must come with targeted palliatives and social safety nets, particularly for low-income women and households. Conditional cash transfers, food support, and subsidized transport can mitigate the impact.
🏛️ Transparent Oil Governance
The government must restructure the oil sector with transparency, accountability, and the political will to reinvest profits into human capital — not personal fortunes.
📈 Investment in Alternatives
Nigeria must diversify beyond oil. Investing in renewable energy, agriculture, and female-led businesses can empower communities and reduce reliance on volatile fuel markets.
👩🏾🤝👩🏽 Support for Women and Girls
Programs that offer skills training, micro-loans, and education for girls are no longer optional — they are urgent. Empowered women help build resilient families and thriving economies.
What Uche NextGEN Foundation Is Doing
At Uche NextGEN, we are:
Providing relief and vocational training for women affected by the fuel price crisis.
Supporting access to education through scholarships and school supplies.
Advocating for gender-inclusive policies in economic recovery plans.
But we need your help to do more.
Conclusion: The Human Cost of Oil Mismanagement
While politicians debate policy and reforms on the national stage, the real cost of Nigeria’s oil crisis is being paid by women who can’t feed their children and by children who no longer go to school. The situation is urgent — but not hopeless.
With bold leadership, informed citizens, and targeted support, Nigeria can transform its wealth into well-being. But until that day comes, we must stand together to protect those most affected by the fallout.
👉 Join us. Donate. Share. Advocate.Because the true measure of a nation's wealth is how it treats its most vulnerable.
Comments