Presidency Counters Atiku, Says Nigeria Recording Positive Economic Gains
The Presidency has dismissed recent remarks by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing his claims about widespread hunger and comparisons to historic revolutions as “misleading” and disconnected from Nigeria’s current realities.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 15, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Atiku and his handlers were “out of touch” with the positive developments taking place under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Onanuga noted that contrary to Atiku’s assertions, Nigeria’s economy is showing signs of recovery. He pointed to fresh data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicating that headline inflation fell for the fifth straight month in August. He added that the country also recorded a historic trade surplus, with non-oil exports now contributing almost as much as crude oil at a ratio of 48:52.
The Presidency further highlighted improvements in Nigeria’s foreign reserves, which Onanuga said have climbed toward $42 billion, up from $32 billion when Tinubu assumed office. He disclosed that the government has cleared over $7 billion in outstanding arrears, including $800 million owed to international airlines.
According to him, Nigeria is now experiencing unprecedented revenues, enabling states to settle salaries and gratuities promptly while still investing in capital and social projects.
“After just two years and five months in office, we are proud of the progress being made under President Tinubu’s leadership. Atiku and his allies may choose to ignore these gains, but Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes taking place across the nation,” Onanuga stated.
He also accused the opposition of clinging to “doomsday scenarios,” insisting that many of the country’s present difficulties are rooted in economic mismanagement during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) era, when Atiku served as Vice President.
Onanuga reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to “bold reforms” aimed at stabilizing the economy and repositioning the country for sustainable growth.
