Middle-Class Nigerians Now Begging to Feed says Adichie

Celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie says the worsening economic hardship in the country is pushing formerly middle-class Nigerians to the brink of poverty. Speaking in an interview, Adichie said she is deeply troubled by how people who once got by are now begging for survival, describing it as a major indicator of national distress.

She emphasised that the real measure of a country’s progress lies in how ordinary people are doing—not in stock market performance. Adichie also warned that rising hardship can make desperate people consider actions they would normally avoid, which could threaten societal stability.

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Reflecting on her career, Adichie revealed she faced about 25 rejections for her first novel ‘Purple Hibiscus’, but never considered quitting. She described writing as her spiritual calling and said she would have continued regardless of being published.

Despite the setbacks early in her career, Adichie said she remained committed because writing is a divine gift and her true purpose in life.