Tinubu defends reforms as Atiku faults economic policies

President Bola Tinubu defended his administration's economic reforms during the second edition of the Asiwaju Scorecard Series and Policy Roundtable in Abuja, stating that these measures were crucial for building a $1tn economy by 2030. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in contrast, criticized these policies, questioning why Nigerians had endured years of hardship before the government began promising relief.

The reforms, according to Tinubu, have strengthened the foundation for economic stability and growth, with improved foreign reserves, revenue mobilisation, trade, and GDP. Atiku, however, argued that the administration's recent promises of cheaper transportation, increased food production, and relief for vulnerable Nigerians were a belated response to a cost-of-living crisis that had persisted for over three years.

Tinubu emphasized that the reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and reforms in the foreign exchange market, would lead Nigeria towards sustainable growth, while Atiku remained opposed to these policies, particularly their impact on the cost of living, as the 2027 general elections approached.