By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Presidency has dismissed a recent critique by a faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, describing its midterm assessment as ‘deceitful’ and lacking in objectivity.
Recall that the factional Afenifere had accused President Tinubu’s administration of economic mismanagement, democratic regression, and failure in human development during its first two years in office.
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation had stated that President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, have led to unmitigated suffering and financial hardship.
However, the presidency, in a detailed response by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, described the views of what he called ‘rebellious Afenifere’ as jaundiced, echoing the views of opposition politicians, one of whom they supported in the 2023 presidential election.
In his response yesterday, Dare defended the administration’s track record, asserting that the criticisms, which he said were politically motivated, ignored key achievements made under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In the response, the presidency highlighted several landmark reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market.
These policies, it stated, saved the government over $10 billion in 2023, eased fiscal pressure, and increased Nigeria’s foreign reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024.
Inflation, while still high, has begun to stabilise, with headline inflation declining to 23.71% as of April 2025.
Efforts to mitigate the impact of reforms on vulnerable populations were also highlighted by the presidency, including:
Cash transfers to over 5.7 million households, the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, benefiting more than 900,000 Nigerians; a minimum wage increase to N70,000; the NYSC stipend raised to N77,000; distribution of free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) kits to commercial drivers; and clearance of over $10 billion in foreign exchange liabilities.
The presidency also highlighted a 60 per cent increase in federal allocations to states, N50 billion disbursed to address ASUU-related issues, rehabilitation of over 1,000 primary healthcare centres, the launch of the three Million Technical Talent project, training 150,000 youth in digital skills, construction of over 20,000 affordable housing units under the Renewed Hope Cities initiative and $50 billion in new foreign direct investment commitments.
Responding to allegations of rising governance costs, the presidency noted that fiscal discipline measures had reduced the national fiscal deficit from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024. The debt service-to-revenue ratio has also significantly improved.
On anti-corruption, the administration pointed to the suspension of a cabinet minister over alleged fund misappropriation and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) recovery of over N364 billion, alongside major convictions and asset seizures in foreign currencies.
Contrary to Afenifere’s claims of democratic backsliding, the presidency emphasised the independence of the judiciary, referencing Supreme Court rulings that upheld opposition electoral victories in several states.
It also dismissed the allegations of protest suppression, describing it as baseless and recycled narratives.
On security, the government reported the neutralisation of over 13,500 terrorists and bandits, with more than 7,000 arrests made in the past year. It also credited agricultural and regional development programs for helping to stabilise restive areas.
It called for unity among political leaders and citizens, urging collective effort in tackling misinformation and addressing national challenges.
Describing Nigeria’s current trajectory as a “comeback story firmly underway,” the administration reiterated its commitment to reviving the economy, safeguarding the nation, and investing in human capital for long-term development.
