Tinubu's Presidency Defends Economic Reforms Amid Criticism

The Presidency, through Special Adviser Dr Sunday Dare, defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's economic reforms in response to an assessment by The Economist, which suggested widespread public dissatisfaction ahead of the 2027 general election. Dare described the publication's portrayal of Nigeria as distorted and disconnected from the country's economic realities.

He emphasized that The Economist's assessment did not adequately account for the economic and structural challenges inherited by the Tinubu administration when it took office in May 2023. Dare highlighted issues such as the former fuel subsidy regime, distortions in the foreign exchange market, and a high debt-service burden as significant challenges.

He asserted that addressing these longstanding structural weaknesses would inevitably involve transitional difficulties. Among the reforms cited was the removal of the petrol subsidy, which Tinubu announced immediately after assuming office, allowing for the redirection of public resources towards infrastructure and national development.