AHF, Benue Community Demand Debt Justice for Africa

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), through its Adaka Advocacy Club in Benue State, has launched a debt justice campaign, calling on the international community to grant debt relief and restructure existing loans for Nigeria and other African nations.

The advocacy campaign, themed “Freedom from Debt,” was held on Friday in Adaka community, Makurdi, bringing together stakeholders to deliberate on the impact of rising debt obligations on development across Africa.
Chairman of the AHF-Adaka Advocacy Club, Mr. Usuwe Moses, said many African countries remain trapped in what he described as an unfair global debt system that limits their capacity to adequately fund healthcare, education, youth empowerment and other critical social services.
According to him, governments are often compelled to prioritise debt servicing over investments that directly improve the lives of their citizens.
Moses called for the automatic, interest-free suspension of debt repayments during public health emergencies and climate-related disasters, including pandemics and disease outbreaks.
He said, “Resources meant to protect citizens during crises should not be diverted to servicing debts. Funds should remain within countries to support healthcare, recovery efforts and economic stability.”
The club’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Idoko Lawrence, advocated the establishment of a Borrowers’ Forum that would allow indebted countries in the Global South to negotiate collectively with international creditors.
She lamented that mounting debt obligations have contributed to poor infrastructure and inadequate social services in many communities, citing the lack of potable water in Adaka as a clear example.
Also speaking, the Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborisade, said about 3.4 billion people live in countries that spend more on debt repayments than on health or education.
He noted that two out of every three African countries spend more on debt interest than they invest in healthcare.
Aborisade argued that the current global debt system places developing nations at a disadvantage through high interest rates and unfavourable lending conditions, stressing the need for reforms that would promote sustainable development and economic justice.
The District Head of Adaka Mbagbange, Chief Angbiashio Nicholas, commended AHF for its healthcare interventions in the community, including free medical services and support for women and girls.
He urged stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at reducing Africa’s debt burden and improving the welfare of its citizens