Nigeria’s Tinubu Says Country Is Safer and Richer—Opposition Demands Proof as Food Prices Soar
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu told Catholic bishops that security and the economy are improving, but opposition parties have publicly rejected the claim, demanding evidence and pointing to persistent kidnappings, farmer-herder clashes, and rising food prices [208059].
The president’s remarks, delivered during a closed-door meeting with the bishops on Tuesday, were meant to project confidence. By Wednesday, opposition leaders challenged the government’s data, arguing that daily life has not improved for most Nigerians. “The administration’s own reports contradict its public statements,” one opposition spokesman said. “We need action, not reassurance.” Tinubu’s team has not yet issued a formal response, but the opposition says it will release its own security and economic assessment next week [208059].
The dispute comes as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, said the country’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030 is a serious target, not just a slogan. Oyedele stated that Nigeria has completed the difficult phase of stabilizing its economy and is now focused on turning that stability into investment, higher productivity, and improved living standards [207419].
Meanwhile, a retired Nigerian general praised Tinubu for restructuring the army from eight to 12 divisions, calling the move a decisive step toward national security. Anthony Atolagbe, a former commander of the Joint Task Force, said the expansion will help eliminate criminal elements across the nation [206165].
The political clash highlights a growing gap between the government’s narrative and public experience—one that could shape debates ahead of the next election cycle. For now, the bishops have not commented further [208059].