Fresh criticism has trailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms as public affairs analyst and Action Democratic Party (ADP) chieftain, Chris Emejuru, declared that the administration’s policies are deepening hardship despite being introduced with good intentions.
In a statement released on Sunday, Emejuru argued that key reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira have placed enormous pressure on millions of Nigerians struggling with rising living costs.
While acknowledging that the reforms have produced some positive outcomes, he questioned why poverty remains widespread across the country.
“These policies have had some positive effects, but the question remains: Why is poverty still the dominant issue in Nigeria?” he asked.
According to Emejuru, the sharp increase in petrol prices has triggered a chain reaction that has driven up food prices, transportation costs, rent, and other essential expenses, pushing more Nigerians below the poverty line.
He maintained that the reforms should have been implemented gradually, with comprehensive safety nets to cushion citizens from the economic shock.
The ADP chieftain suggested that affordable transportation, grants for small businesses, stronger agricultural support, and incentives for the manufacturing and construction sectors would have reduced the burden on households while encouraging job creation and affordable housing.
Emejuru also acknowledged that the reforms have improved investor confidence by reducing economic bottlenecks. However, he insisted that ordinary Nigerians are yet to experience meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
He pointed to the current exchange rate of around ₦1,400 to the dollar, arguing that it has made foreign education, international travel, and import-dependent businesses increasingly difficult for many citizens.
Rather than a completely market-driven exchange rate, Emejuru proposed a managed float, where government intervention would help stabilise the naira while allowing market forces to operate.
He also called for better implementation of the government’s tax reforms, stressing that practical benefits, harmonisation, and greater investment in the digital economy would create more jobs and improve living standards.
As debates over the government’s economic direction continue, Emejuru’s remarks add to growing calls for policies that combine long-term reforms with stronger social protection for Nigerians.
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