The Nigerian Presidency has responded to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s criticisms about rising hunger, asserting that the country is making steady economic progress under President Bola Tinubu. In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the presidency described Atiku’s comments as “cheap talk” disconnected from Nigeria’s current economic trajectory.
Onanuga cited recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) that contradicts Atiku’s assertions about hunger and economic instability. The NBS reported a decline in headline inflation for the fifth consecutive month and a record trade surplus, with non‑oil exports nearly matching crude‑oil exports at a 48:52 ratio. Additionally, Nigeria’s foreign‑exchange reserves have risen to nearly $42 billion, up from $32 billion when President Tinubu took office.
The presidency also highlighted improvements in revenue that enable states to pay salaries and pensions on time while funding capital and social projects. Onanuga said the level of financial stability under President Tinubu has not been seen in years and attributed current challenges to economic mismanagement during the PDP years when Atiku was vice president. He emphasized that President Tinubu and his team are correcting past errors with bold reforms, and that Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes.
While Atiku and his allies may choose to ignore these gains, the presidency noted that the progress made under President Tinubu’s leadership is evident. The exchange comes as Nigeria continues to navigate economic challenges, with debate persisting over the government’s handling of the economy. Despite criticism, the presidency remains confident in the country’s economic trajectory under President Tinubu.
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