NNPC13s N7.13tn: Što Nigerija mora pokazati za to, pita ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified its criticism of President Bola Tinubu's economic policies, demanding he either abandon them or resign, citing worsening poverty and hunger as justification. According to a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, recent data from international development agencies reveal that 139 million Nigerians now live below the national poverty line, with 17 million facing acute hunger. The ADC argues that these figures underscore the human toll of the federal government’s economic strategies and call for immediate accountability. The ADC’s critique follows ongoing debates over the effectiveness of Tinubu’s administration, which has implemented several economic reforms since taking office in May 2023. These include the removal of petrol subsidies, exchange rate liberalisation, and changes to tax policies. While the government highlights improvements in public revenue, foreign exchange reserves, and investor confidence, the ADC contends that these metrics have not translated into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens. Instead, the party accuses the administration of perpetuating “ruinous economic policies” that prioritize statistical success over real-world outcomes. Abdullahi emphasized that the ADC has consistently warned against celebrating economic indicators without considering their impact on everyday life. He stated that the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government’s focus on growth and revenue has failed to address the root causes of poverty or safeguard livelihoods. The party further criticized the government for framing reckless fiscal decisions as bold moves and for dismissing genuine concerns as unnecessary burdens. In addition to condemning the economic policies, the ADC dismissed the government’s social interventions as insufficient. It argued that temporary measures, such as food aid or cash transfers, cannot resolve deep-seated issues like food insecurity and unemployment. Instead, the party proposed a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming Nigeria’s economic landscape. This includes securing farming communities, rehabilitating 264 abandoned dams to enhance irrigation, improving access to quality agricultural inputs, and strengthening value chains to boost food production and affordability. The ADC also outlined plans to develop regional agricultural production hubs, reduce transportation costs, and invest in storage and processing facilities. It pledged to increase funding for nutrition, healthcare, education, and vocational training, emphasizing that economic success should be measured by improved living standards rather than abstract numbers. The party framed its proposals as a necessary shift from a system that values government statistics over people’s well-being. The ADC’s demands come amid broader scrutiny of the Tinubu administration’s handling of public finances. In separate developments, the party has questioned the allocation of N7.13 trillion spent by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) on energy security. The ADC has called for a detailed breakdown of how these funds were utilized, arguing that such expenditures should not remain shrouded in secrecy given the nation’s economic challenges. The party has also raised concerns about potential misuse of public resources, particularly linking the spending to political campaigns led by Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo. This growing pressure reflects a wider discontent among Nigerians, who continue to grapple with high inflation, limited job opportunities, and declining purchasing power. The ADC’s stance aligns with calls for greater transparency and accountability, especially as the government faces increasing expectations to deliver meaningful change. With the upcoming election cycle approaching, the party’s criticisms may gain more traction, forcing policymakers to confront the gap between economic performance and public welfare. For now, the ADC remains committed to holding the administration accountable for its promises and its track record.