Presidency Acknowledges Rising Poverty Under Tinubu's Reforms

The presidency has admitted that more Nigerians have fallen into poverty since President Tinubu took office, attributing this increase to the administration's economic reform programme. Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made this acknowledgment on October 7 during a discussion on Channels TV.

He stated that the rise in poverty is not denied by the government but is contextualized within necessary structural reforms that previous administrations avoided. Bwala explained that economic transformation inherently causes short-term discomfort and noted that Nigeria's population of 230 million was already experiencing varying levels of poverty before these reforms began.

He also responded to a report from The Economist, which highlighted public dissatisfaction with Tinubu, citing factors like worsening insecurity and economic challenges. Bwala criticized the report's methodology, asserting that a credible assessment of public sentiment must include both critics and supporters of the government.

He pointed to positive developments in agriculture and manufacturing as evidence of beneficial policies.