The Presidency on Monday rejected criticisms from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar noting that Nigeria’s challenges today stem from mismanagement under PDP.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency insisted that Nigeria is making steady economic progress under President Bola Tinubu.
The statement described Atiku’s comparison of Nigeria’s current situation to pre-revolutionary France and Russia as “misleading” and “out of touch with reality.”
Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Presidency highlighted that headline inflation had declined for the fifth consecutive month as of August. It also reported a record trade surplus, with non-oil exports now accounting for 48 percent of the trade balance, surpassing crude oil’s 52 percent.
The statement noted that Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves have risen to nearly $42 billion from $32 billion when President Tinubu assumed office. Over $7 billion in arrears, including $800 million owed to international airlines, have also been cleared.
According to the Presidency, states are now better funded, enabling prompt payment of salaries and pensions while still investing in capital and social projects. The administration attributed present challenges to “economic mismanagement” by previous governments and stressed that current reforms aim to reverse these legacies.
It reads partly: “After just two years and five months, the administration is proud of the progress made under President Tinubu’s leadership.”
“Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes taking place across the nation.”
“Under President Tinubu, Nigeria is recording unprecedented revenues. States are now able to pay salaries and gratuities promptly and still have surplus funds for capital and social projects—an achievement not previously witnessed at this scale.”
“Nigeria is moving in the right direction. In contrast, Atiku and his party remain stuck in the past, fixated on doomsday scenarios and revolutionary rhetoric. Ironically, many of the challenges we face today stem from the economic mismanagement during the PDP years, when Atiku was Vice President. President Tinubu and his team are working relentlessly to correct those errors, with bold reforms.”
“After just two years and five months in office, we are proud of the progress being made under President Tinubu’s leadership. Atiku and his allies may choose to ignore these gains, but Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes taking place across the nation.” The Statement read.
