Nigeria: Nigerians Don't Deserve This Hardship, Atiku Tells Tinubu

What the report says

Former Nigerian Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration over what he described as severe economic hardship facing ordinary Nigerians. In remarks carried by Daily Trust and distributed by AllAfrica, Atiku said the government has not met its basic duty of shielding citizens from rising living costs. The comments were issued through a statement by Phrank Shaibu, who serves as Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.

Atiku’s criticism focused on Tinubu’s Independence Day address, which he said did not reflect conditions experienced by households dealing with more expensive fuel, transport, food and other necessities. He also disputed the president’s claim that salaries and pensions are being paid promptly, saying some federal workers face delays and pensioners continue to protest. The article also reports that he contrasted Nigeria’s situation with Germany’s temporary fuel tax cuts, using that example to argue that governments can step in when energy prices strain families.

Atiku linked lower fuel prices to broader relief for consumers, saying cheaper transport can reduce market prices and leave families with more income. He also repeated his campaign message that support should be targeted at fuel refined in Nigeria, with auditing and anti-diversion safeguards. More broadly, the statement reflects the continuing political debate in Nigeria over subsidy policy, inflation and the cost of basic goods, issues that have dominated public discussion since the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms.