President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his administration’s economic policies, stating that hunger and poverty did not begin with his government and insisting that the living conditions of many Nigerians have improved under his leadership.
Speaking during a public engagement, the President argued that the challenges facing Nigeria’s economy predate his administration and have accumulated over several decades. He maintained that his government inherited deep-rooted structural problems and has been implementing reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and improving citizens’ welfare.
Ejes Gist News reports that Tinubu declared that hunger existed long before his birth, dismissing suggestions that Nigeria’s economic difficulties were created by his administration. The President said the country’s longstanding socio-economic challenges require sustained reforms rather than short-term measures.
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“Hunger did not start with me. It existed before I was born,” Tinubu said while defending the economic direction of his administration.
The President further argued that despite current economic pressures, key indicators show progress in several sectors. According to him, government policies have helped improve public finances, attract investment and lay the foundation for long-term economic growth.
Tinubu also insisted that many Nigerians are living better under his administration than before, citing ongoing investments in infrastructure, agriculture, social intervention programmes and economic reforms designed to strengthen productivity and create opportunities.
His remarks come amid continued public debate over the rising cost of living, food inflation and household economic pressures affecting millions of Nigerians. Economic reforms introduced since the beginning of his administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange market adjustments, have generated both praise and criticism from different stakeholders.
Supporters of the administration argue that the reforms are necessary to address long-standing distortions in the economy and place Nigeria on a sustainable growth path. Critics, however, contend that many households continue to face significant hardship as a result of rising prices and reduced purchasing power.
The President maintained that his administration remains focused on addressing economic challenges through policy reforms, increased investment and measures aimed at boosting food production and economic stability.
Tinubu reiterated that while hunger and poverty remain major national concerns, they are historical challenges that cannot be attributed solely to any single administration. He expressed confidence that ongoing government programmes would continue to deliver improvements in the lives of Nigerians as the reforms take effect.
