Atiku: Tinubu’s policies forcing exit of foreign investors

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu's economic policies, saying they are causing foreign investors to leave Nigeria. According to the latest Nigerian Exchange data, between January and July 2026, foreign investors brought in ₦513.36 billion but withdrew ₦779.43 billion, resulting in a net outflow of ₦266.07 billion.

This represents an 11.7 times increase compared to the same period in 2023. Atiku argues that the situation is dire, likening it to a shop with owners unable to pay, customers with no money, and landlords borrowing to cover costs, while foreign investors quietly take their money out. He points out that the government has increased its borrowing by 90.5% to ₦24.7 trillion in just eight months, while credit to private businesses has grown more than four times faster than credit to the public sector.

Atiku warns that local businesses are struggling, foreign capital is leaving, and government borrowing is skyrocketing. Despite these issues, the Tinubu administration claims to be making economic reforms. Atiku questions what exactly is working when the economy is suffocating under the weight of its policies. He urges the administration to focus on restoring confidence, lowering the cost of doing business, making energy and transportation affordable, and encouraging private sector growth rather than relying on government borrowing.