Chairman of the Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics LTD/GTE, Dele Oye, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to ensure that Nigeria’s recent economic gains translate into cheaper food, more productive jobs and improved living standards for citizens. Oye acknowledged the government’s difficult economic decisions over the past three years, including the removal of petrol subsidy, foreign exchange reforms, tighter monetary policy and efforts to rebuild the country’s external reserves.
According to Oye, Nigeria’s economy has shown signs of recovery, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimating 4.0 per cent economic growth in 2025 and projecting 4.1 per cent growth for 2026. He noted that services and non-oil activities have been major drivers of the expansion, while Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves have also strengthened. However, he cautioned that improved economic figures must eventually be reflected in the everyday lives of Nigerians.
Oye pointed to persistent poverty and food insecurity as evidence of the gap between Nigeria’s economic growth and the reality facing many households. Citing an IMF assessment, he said poverty was estimated at 63 per cent at the national poverty line, while about 27 million Nigerians faced food insecurity in autumn 2025. He therefore called on the government to move beyond economic stabilisation and introduce measures that provide more immediate relief through affordable food, employment opportunities, stronger businesses and better public services.
“Courage at the beginning of reform must become competence at the point of delivery,” Oye said, stressing that the success of the Tinubu administration should not be judged solely by economic indicators. He argued that traders, farmers, teachers, apprentices, nurses, transport workers, students and small manufacturers are the real drivers of the economy and should feel the impact of government policies. According to him, the economy must become not only attractive to investors but also more manageable for ordinary Nigerians.
Oye said the ultimate test of the administration’s economic programme would be whether Nigerians can work and run businesses without being overwhelmed by economic disorder, while families can afford food without sacrificing healthcare. “Nigeria has begun to stabilise. Now it must begin to heal,” he said, urging the government to turn its economic reforms into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
source: The sun
