Three years after Tinubu’s reforms, Nigerians are still poorer — Adebayo
By Henry Nnaemeka
Presidential candidate and leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has faulted the economic direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, insisting that poverty in Nigeria is the result of policy failures rather than an unavoidable national reality.
Adebayo made the assertion in a message posted on his verified X account on Tuesday, where he criticised the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms on the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, despite nearly three years of policy adjustments and economic reforms, millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with rising hardship, declining purchasing power, and limited economic opportunities.
“Poverty is not Nigeria’s destiny. It is the result of failed leadership, and it can be defeated with the right government, the right priorities, and the right plan,” he stated.
The SDP chieftain argued that Nigeria’s economic challenges stem less from a shortage of resources and more from the inability of government to convert available wealth into opportunities that improve citizens’ lives.
He maintained that the true measure of economic success should not be restricted to growth figures and macroeconomic indicators but reflected in the everyday realities of citizens.
According to him, government policies should ultimately be judged by whether Nigerians can afford food, secure employment, access basic services, and live in safety.
Adebayo further criticised what he described as a disconnect between official economic narratives and the experiences of ordinary citizens, insisting that economic growth must translate into tangible improvements in living standards.
His remarks come amid continuing debate over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalisation, on household incomes and business activities across the country.
The SDP leader maintained that Nigeria possesses sufficient resources to lift millions out of poverty if managed effectively and transparently.
He urged Nigerians to remain actively engaged in the democratic process and demand policies that prioritise welfare, employment, and economic inclusion.
