Nigerian President Tinubu’s Economic Policies Criticized as Cost of Living Crisis Escalates
Atiku Abubakar, ADC presidential candidate, condemned Tinubu’s reforms, saying Nigerians can no longer feed their children and workers cannot afford transport fares.
In Brief
- •Atiku Abubakar, ADC presidential candidate, condemned Tinubu’s reforms, saying Nigerians can no longer feed their children and workers cannot afford transport fares.
- •The IMF’s June 2026 assessment noted macroeconomic improvements but still pegged poverty at 63 % and 27 million Nigerians experiencing food insecurity in late 2025.
- •Fuel prices surged, with petrol at about N1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja and up to N1,500 in parts of northern Nigeria in September, while diesel exceeded N2,000 per litre.
- •Higher fuel, food and transport costs are projected to worsen poverty and food insecurity, according to Atiku’s statement.
- •The ADC’s statement was signed by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
Why It Matters
The remarks highlight a widening gap between macroeconomic indicators and everyday realities for Nigerians. While the IMF reports improved growth, the persistence of high poverty and food insecurity rates suggests that policy gains have not translated into tangible benefits for the majority. Rising fuel costs further strain household budgets, potentially undermining social stability and eroding public confidence in the Tinubu administration’s economic agenda.
Key Details
- Poverty rate
- 63%
- Food insecurity cases
- 27 million
- Petrol price (Sept 2026)
- N1,400 per litre in Lagos/Abuja, N1,500 in northern Nigeria
- Diesel price (Sept 2026)
- >N2,000 per litre
- IMF assessment date
- June 2026
- Atiku statement date
- 2026‑09‑26
Original Reporting & Sources
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