The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration to address the overlooked concerns raised by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in her recent comments on Nigeria’s economy, accusing the government of selectively highlighting her words for political advantage.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party criticized the Federal Government for celebrating Okonjo-Iweala’s acknowledgement of “stabilization” in the economy, while downplaying her warning that real growth, job creation, and effective social safety nets remain urgent and unmet priorities.
“Dr. Okonjo-Iweala understands that stability in an economy means more than statistical calm—it means genuine growth, jobs, and productivity. It means being able to guarantee minimum living standards for the people,” Abdullahi said. “What she’s truly pointing out, which the Tinubu government has chosen to ignore, is that the economy is not expanding, employment opportunities are scarce, and millions of Nigerians are suffering due to ill-conceived and poorly executed reforms.”
The ADC argued that key data underscores this reality. Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by only 3.13 percent in the first quarter of 2025, followed by a marginal rise of just above 3 percent in the second quarter—figures far below the robust recovery promised by the administration. Inflation was recorded at 22.22 percent in June 2025, while food inflation hit 21.97 percent. Petrol averaged N1,037.66 per litre, and the naira traded at about N1,530 to the U.S. dollar.
The statement further blamed Tinubu’s policy decisions—such as fuel subsidy removal, naira devaluation, and tariff increases in power and transportation—for worsening the cost-of-living crisis. According to Abdullahi, these policies have heightened economic distress while social intervention programs that could ease the burden have either been mismanaged, suspended, or delivered little to no impact.
The ADC also referenced Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s social media clarification, where she stressed the urgent need for policies that stimulate growth, create jobs, and put money directly into the hands of struggling Nigerians.
“Every patriotic Nigerian understands that celebrating mere ‘stability’ without growth is a hollow victory,” Abdullahi maintained. “The ADC believes that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s candid assessment should serve as a wake-up call. What the country needs now are not propaganda-driven narratives but deliberate, people-centered policies to tackle the harsh daily realities faced by millions under the APC government.”
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Would you like me to refine this further into a press release format (with structured sections like headline, sub-headline, lead paragraph, body, and closing remarks) so it reads more like something a party would officially circulate to the media?
