By Our Correspondent
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has launched a scathing attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the Federal Government of painting a false picture of Nigeria’s economic realities while millions of citizens continue to struggle with rising hardship.
Atiku’s criticism follows recent remarks by Finance Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, who defended the government’s economic reforms and maintained that the administration’s policies were yielding positive results for the country’s economy.
In a statement released through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the government’s optimistic economic narrative does not reflect the everyday experiences of ordinary Nigerians battling inflation, high food prices, unemployment, and a declining standard of living.
The former Vice President questioned the administration’s repeated claims that Nigeria’s debt profile has improved, insisting that available figures tell a different story. According to him, the government has merely restructured existing obligations rather than significantly reducing the nation’s debt burden.
He also challenged the government’s position on the removal of the fuel subsidy, arguing that Nigerians have yet to see convincing evidence that the savings generated from the policy have been effectively deployed to improve infrastructure, reduce borrowing, or ease the economic burden on citizens.
Atiku further dismissed claims that workers are better off under the current administration, stating that many public servants are still waiting for the full implementation of wage adjustments and other promised benefits. He maintained that celebrating economic gains while many households face severe financial pressure sends the wrong message.
Describing the government’s presentation of the economy as “creative accounting,” Atiku said official statistics and public statements should be matched by visible improvements in the lives of Nigerians. He stressed that economic reforms should be measured not only by fiscal indicators but also by their impact on people’s welfare.
The ADC presidential candidate called on the Federal Government to embrace greater transparency and accountability in communicating the country’s economic performance. He urged policymakers to focus on practical solutions that would address inflation, create jobs, strengthen local industries, and restore public confidence in the economy.
The exchange between Atiku and the Federal Government highlights the growing debate over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms. While government officials insist that difficult policy decisions are laying the foundation for long-term economic stability, opposition leaders argue that the immediate consequences have deepened the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.
As discussions over Nigeria’s economic direction continue, many citizens will be looking beyond official statements and political criticism, focusing instead on whether future policies translate into lower living costs, increased employment opportunities, and tangible improvements in their daily lives.
