ADC Slams Tinubu’s Policies, Promises Better Economy

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, saying they have failed to improve the lives of Nigerians despite government claims of economic progress.

The party made its position known on Friday through a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, while reacting to recent poverty and food security figures released by international development agencies.

According to the opposition party, the latest reports showing that about 139 million Nigerians are living below the national poverty line and millions more are facing severe hunger reflect the impact of the current administration’s economic decisions.

The ADC argued that the worsening living conditions across the country show that the government’s reforms have not delivered the expected relief for ordinary citizens.

The party maintained that economic growth, increased government revenue and stronger foreign exchange reserves mean little if they do not improve the welfare of the people. It said any economic policy should be judged by its ability to reduce hardship, create jobs and improve the standard of living.

ADC also said poverty cannot be solved through temporary relief programmes alone. It argued that long-term solutions require policies that increase food production, create employment opportunities and give Nigerians the chance to earn sustainable incomes.

As part of its proposed plans, the party said an ADC-led government would improve security in farming communities, rehabilitate abandoned dams to support irrigation, provide farmers with better access to quality inputs and strengthen agricultural value chains. It also promised to develop regional farming hubs, reduce transportation costs, expand storage and agro-processing facilities, and invest more in healthcare, education, nutrition and skills development.

The party insisted that Nigerians deserve an economy that produces better living conditions instead of one that only records positive government statistics. It said the country must focus on policies that directly improve the daily lives of citizens.

The criticism comes as debates continue over the impact of Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate liberalisation and tax policy changes introduced since he assumed office in May 2023.

The Federal Government has continued to defend the reforms, saying they were necessary to stabilise the economy after years of structural challenges. It has pointed to improved public revenue, stronger external reserves, growing investor confidence and easing inflation as signs that the policies are beginning to produce results.

To reduce the immediate effects of the reforms, the government has introduced measures such as cash transfers, student loans, consumer credit schemes and support programmes for small businesses and agriculture.

However, opposition parties, labour unions and several civil society groups maintain that the reforms have raised the cost of living, reduced purchasing power and pushed more Nigerians into poverty.