$1 cannot buy anything in US, but N2,000 can feed you at 'mama put' - Oshiomhole

Former Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole has defended President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms, asserting that Nigerians still enjoy a lower cost of living than their counterparts in the United States. On Thursday, Oshiomhole appeared on Channels Television's Politics Today and made the assertion, pointing out that while many Nigerians complain about hardship, N2,000 can still purchase food at a local restaurant known as mama put in Nigeria. However, Oshiomhole emphasized that $1 cannot buy anything in the United States.

The senator argued that President Tinubu's reforms, which include the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate, were essential to prevent economic collapse. Although these changes were painful in the short term, the former governor contended that they were necessary for the nation's long-term stability.

Oshiomhole also highlighted that under Tinubu's administration, Nigeria had previously allocated a significant portion of its revenue to subsidize fuel and service debts, leaving minimal funds for development initiatives.

Furthermore, the lawmaker dismissed claims by opposition leaders that the reforms have negatively impacted the living standards of Nigerians. Oshiomhole argued that the comparison between Nigeria and the United States demonstrates that the cost of living remains lower in the former. He also pointed out that many Nigerians residing abroad lament their inability to survive on $1 in America, yet they criticize the government at home for high prices.

Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to exercise patience with Tinubu, stating that the true benefits of the reforms would become apparent over time.