The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a fresh attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, urging the government to either fundamentally change its economic policies or resign if it is unable to reverse the deepening hardship confronting millions of Nigerians. The opposition party argued that the country’s worsening poverty levels reflect the failure of the current economic direction.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC cited figures indicating that about 139 million Nigerians now live below the national poverty line. The party blamed the situation on what it described as misguided economic policies that have driven up the cost of living, weakened purchasing power and pushed more households into poverty.
The party maintained that government policies should be judged by their impact on the living conditions of ordinary people rather than by macroeconomic indicators alone. It argued that rising poverty, unemployment, food insecurity and declining living standards demonstrate the need for an urgent review of the administration’s economic approach.
The Presidency has consistently defended its economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange-rate liberalisation, arguing that they are necessary to stabilise the economy, attract investment and lay the foundation for long-term growth. Government officials have also pointed to social intervention programmes and other measures aimed at cushioning the impact of the reforms on vulnerable Nigerians.
The exchange highlights the growing debate over the direction of Nigeria’s economy as rising living costs continue to dominate public discourse. While governments often emphasise fiscal reforms and macroeconomic stability, the experience of many working people is measured by whether they can afford food, housing, healthcare, education and other basic necessities. Sustainable economic policy ultimately requires that improvements in national economic indicators translate into tangible gains in employment, wages, social welfare and living standards for the majority of the population.
