By JKNewsMedia
CLAIMS BY a factional Afenifere group alleging national regression under President Bola Tinubu have drawn a sharp rebuttal from the Presidency, which defended its record with a comprehensive outline of reforms, economic stabilisation, and anti-corruption progress since 2023.
The group’s critique, accusing the Tinubu administration of economic mismanagement, democratic decline, and inequality, was dismissed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, as prejudiced and misinformed.
Citing tangible achievements across governance, Dare argued that the Renewed Hope Agenda is rebuilding Nigeria from decades of systemic challenges, contrary to the picture painted by critics.
The administration’s economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and the unification of the foreign exchange market, have reportedly saved over $10 billion in 2023 alone.
This, the government, he insists, has helped reduce fiscal pressure while boosting foreign reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024 and achieving a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion.
Nigeria’s annual inflation fell to 23.71% in April 2025, down from 24.23% the previous month. Food inflation also eased slightly to 21.26%.
These metrics are seen by officials as signs of macroeconomic recovery, even amid short-term hardship.
To cushion the effects, over 5.7 million households now benefit from direct cash transfers, with broader social investment programmes underway.
Beyond macro data, over 900,000 Nigerians have accessed the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, while more than 600,000 students benefit under the NELFUND-backed loan programme.
Transport costs have fallen following the rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and free CNG kits for commercial drivers.
A new N70,000 minimum wage and increased NYSC stipends further reflect the government’s social welfare priorities.
The government claims that over $10 billion in foreign exchange debt has been cleared, with state allocations up by 60%. Federal revenue reached N6 trillion in Q1 2025, aided by discontinued Ways & Means borrowing and subsidy reform.
At least 1,000 primary healthcare centres have been revitalised, with 5,500 others undergoing upgrades. Additionally, 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024 marked the country’s highest in three years; Dare reiterated.
Responding to accusations of bloated governance, the Presidency stated that while the Oronsaye Report has yet to be fully implemented, strides have been made in cutting waste.
Fiscal deficit dropped from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, while the debt service-to-revenue ratio declined from near 100% in 2022 to under 40%.
On corruption, the government highlighted actions including the 2024 suspension of Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu over alleged fund misappropriation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recorded 4,111 convictions and recovered over N364 billion in 2024 alone, with additional assets reclaimed in 2025, including a 725-unit housing estate in Abuja.
Addressing democratic concerns, the Presidency rejected the claim that Nigeria is drifting into a one-party state.
Judicial independence, it argued, has been upheld with opposition victories in key states like Kano and Plateau affirmed by the Supreme Court.
Allegations about INEC appointments and crackdown on protests were labelled unfounded and without evidence.
In security, over 13,500 insurgents and criminals have reportedly been neutralised and 7,000 arrested. The improved security climate is credited with enabling farmers to return to farmlands and increasing agricultural productivity. Regional development efforts continue, including the establishment of commissions in all six geopolitical zones.
The Presidency further rebuffed claims of election interference or fomenting divisions within opposition parties.
It cited recent credit upgrades by Fitch and Moody’s—B rating and a shift from Caa1 to B3 respectively—as validation of Nigeria’s fiscal reforms.
While acknowledging that current reforms come with difficulties, the government reiterated its commitment to reducing hardship through transparent governance and inclusive growth.
With improved GDP performance, foreign direct investment exceeding $50 billion, and growing digital infrastructure reaching millions, the administration insisted that Nigeria’s recovery is not theoretical but measurable.
According to the Presidency, key priorities remain security, economic stability, and human capital development, all geared towards long-term national transformation.
Dare also reiterated that the call was for critics and citizens alike to engage with the facts and support collective efforts to steer Nigeria forward, rather than peddle disinformation or partisan narratives.
