Tinubu defends economic reforms as Atiku Abubakar criticizes policies
President Bola Tinubu defended his administration's economic reforms, stating they are crucial for achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, Tinubu highlighted improved foreign reserves, revenue mobilization, trade, and GDP growth as evidence of strengthening economic foundations. He emphasized that difficult decisions, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange market reforms, were necessary to move Nigeria towards sustainable growth. Tinubu also outlined plans for infrastructure development, including a five-port maritime and logistics corridor and industrial parks, to boost trade and create jobs. Conversely, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, criticized the administration's economic policies, arguing that recent promises of relief are belated responses to a prolonged cost-of-living crisis. Atiku questioned why Nigerians endured hardship for over three years before the government began promising solutions, and proposed an economic recovery plan focused on reducing energy costs and providing targeted support for domestic refining. He also challenged the student loan program, advocating for reduced education costs and potential debt forgiveness, and demanded accountability for the financial gains from petrol subsidy removal.
