Abuja, Nigeria —
Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has urged African leaders to place social justice at the heart of economic development, saying true progress must prioritize citizens’ welfare over economic statistics.
Speaking at the Ford Foundation Office for West Africa (FFOWA) 65th anniversary celebration, themed “From Nation Building to Social Justice”, in Abuja, Osinbajo emphasized that Africa’s economic growth will remain hollow without fairness, inclusion, and human-centered governance.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Social Justice as an Imperative to Development,” the former vice president noted that despite Africa’s rapid GDP growth, the continent still suffers the world’s lowest living standards.
“Africa is growing fastest in GDP terms, yet our people remain among the poorest. Development should be measured not by GDP, but by the quality of life of citizens,” he said.
Osinbajo, who chaired Nigeria’s Economic Management Team between 2016 and 2019, reflected on the gap between official growth figures and the daily struggles of citizens.
“When governments talk about growth, ordinary people don’t feel it. Development must start from the bottom up — from the people,” he added.
He argued that social justice must underpin all development policies, ensuring fair access to opportunities, rights, and resources for every citizen.
Osinbajo also described climate change as a key dimension of social justice, warning that Nigeria could face up to 9.4 million internal climate migrants by 2050.
“Nigeria is among the 10 most climate-vulnerable nations, yet we didn’t cause this crisis. Climate justice is therefore social justice,” he said.
He called on global corporations responsible for decades of carbon emissions to finance adaptation and loss-compensation efforts across Africa, particularly in regions like the Niger Delta, which have suffered environmental degradation.
Osinbajo also linked anti-corruption efforts with equitable growth, noting that corruption weakens economies and widens inequality.
“Corruption isn’t just a governance issue — it’s a development issue. If unchecked, it could cost Nigeria 37% of its GDP by 2030,” he warned, citing a PwC report.
He described anti-corruption policies as social justice initiatives that protect public resources, support businesses, and generate jobs.
“When we build fairness and accountability in government and business, we unleash economic growth and give our people a fair future,” he said.
Osinbajo congratulated FFOWA on its 65-year journey of impact in West Africa, commending its commitment to democracy, inclusion, and human rights.
“Social justice is not charity — it is the foundation of sustainable development,” he concluded.
Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, in his remarks, commended the Ford Foundation for its enduring partnership with Nigeria and Africa, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to deepen collaboration for inclusive growth.
“We have stabilised our macroeconomic fundamentals and are mapping out local prosperity across all 8,809 wards in the country,” Bagudu said.
FFOWA Regional Director, Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, highlighted the Foundation’s 65-year legacy of supporting education, women’s rights, human rights, and environmental justice in West Africa.
“Our legacy is not in the dollars granted but in the courage and vision of our partners. Social justice is not a luxury — it’s the base of inclusive societies,” she said.
Senior Vice President, Martín Abregu, noted that the Ford Foundation, now a global institution, continues to work through partnership and local leadership to address inequality and climate justice.
“West Africa’s creativity and resilience inspire us. Progress must be locally driven and globally connected,” he stated.
