{
  "id": 4979602,
  "title": "Tinubu defends reforms as Atiku faults economic policies",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/tinubu-defends-reforms-as-atiku-faults-economic-policies-4979602",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-02T01:08:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/tinubu-defends-reforms-as-atiku-faults-economic-policies/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "President Tinubu defends his administration’s economic reforms, aiming for a $1tn economy by 2030, as Atiku Abubakar faults the policies’ impact on Nigeria Read More: https://punchng.com/tinubu-defends-reforms-as-atiku-faults-economic-policies/",
  "key_points": [
    "President Tinubu defends economic reforms for $1tn economy by 2030",
    "Atiku Abubakar criticizes policies, questions years of hardship",
    "Tinubu emphasizes reforms' foundation for economic stability"
  ],
  "editors_take": "President Tinubu's defence of his economic reforms sharpens the political divide, with Atiku's criticisms underscoring the hardship endured by Nigerians and setting the stage for a key issue in the 2027 general elections.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "2027: Atiku tackles Tinubu over fuel price",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/2027-atiku-tackles-tinubu-over-fuel-price",
        "published": "2026-09-01T17:02:39.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Ripples Nigeria",
        "title": "2027: Atiku fires back at Tinubu over rising fuel, cost of living",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/2027-atiku-fires-back-at-tinubu-over-rising-fuel-cost-of-living",
        "published": "2026-09-01T17:18:39.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Trust",
        "title": "Court adjourns Atiku’s suit challenging Tinubu eligibility",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/court-adjourns-atikus-suit-challenging-tinubu-eligibility",
        "published": "2026-09-01T17:50:45.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Fuel price: I’m standing with Nigerians – Atiku tackles Tinubu",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/fuel-price-im-standing-with-nigerians-atiku-tackles-tinubu",
        "published": "2026-09-01T18:04:58.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Premium Times",
        "title": "Lawyers disagree on service of Atiku’s suit against Tinubu’s eligibility for 2027 poll",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/lawyers-disagree-on-service-of-atikus-suit-against-tinubus",
        "published": "2026-09-01T21:45:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}