The Fight Inequality Alliance (FIA) Nigeria has called for stronger collaboration among the government, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens to address widening inequality across the country.
The call was made on Saturday in Abuja during activities marking the Global Day to Fight Inequality.
Speaking at the event, Convener of FIA Nigeria, Ekaete Umoh, said the alliance was committed to building a common platform for collective action against inequality in all sectors.
She described FIA as a global movement of civil society organisations, activists and grassroots networks working towards a just, equitable and sustainable world.
Umoh said inequality in Nigeria remained evident in healthcare, education, gender, youth participation, disability inclusion and access to economic opportunities.
She cited the "Not Too Young to Run" campaign and advocacy that led to the signing of the Disability Act in 2019 as examples of successful efforts to reduce inequality.
"Our vision is to stand together to fight every form of inequality. We want a society where everyone has equal opportunities and access to resources," she said.
She added that the alliance was advocating a fairer distribution of wealth and resources to enable all citizens to live with dignity.
According to her, inequality remains widespread in Nigeria, particularly affecting vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities.
Umoh urged the government to create more opportunities for civil society organisations to contribute practical solutions toward reducing inequality and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"We are not just pointing out problems; we are bringing solutions and asking government to open up the space for dialogue and partnership," she added.
Also speaking, Executive Director of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), Faith Nwadishi, said inequality had reached alarming levels, with a small percentage of the population controlling a significant share of wealth.
Nwadishi, who is also a member of the FIA National Council, cited National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data indicating that about 63 per cent of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty.
She explained that multidimensional poverty extends beyond income to include poor housing, inadequate healthcare, lack of quality education and limited access to essential services.
She called for policies that promote equitable wealth distribution, fair taxation and stronger social protection while addressing barriers affecting women, young people and other vulnerable groups.
Nwadishi also advocated institutional and cultural reforms to eliminate discriminatory practices and expand opportunities for women and marginalised communities.
In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer of Kids & Teens Resource Centre, Martin-Mary Falana, called for policies that discourage excessive wealth accumulation while strengthening social welfare.
He suggested imposing higher taxes on luxury assets to promote greater equity and urged the government to improve domestic healthcare services.
Falana also advocated policies that would encourage political leaders and public officials to rely on Nigeria's healthcare system instead of seeking medical treatment abroad.
(NAN)
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