ECONOMIC HARDSHIP: Delta Governor Reveals Real Reasons Nigerians Are Impoverished, Says Tinubu’s Policies Caused It
The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ s economic policies, saying they have caused severe hunger, poverty, and unemployment, making Nigeria the poorest country in the world. He pointed out that while removing the petrol subsidy and allowing the naira to float might have had benefits, these have been wiped out by the falling value of the naira and rising inflation.
In a statement released on Monday by Mr. Felix Ofou, his Executive Assistant on New Media, the Delta State Governor urged the Tinubu administration to adopt policies that would reduce poverty and alleviate suffering. Governor Oborevwori’ s remarks were in response to claims made by former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo- Agege, who argued that the President’ s economic policies had resulted in ” increased federal allocation to state and local governments, rising economic growth rates, declining imports, higher exports, and higher incomes for farmers. ”
However, Governor Oborevwori disputed the claim by Omo- Agege, questioning ” the value of the increased funds amidst galloping inflation, naira devaluation, and widespread poverty. ” The governor advised against adopting policies that worsen poverty and hardship. Governor Oborevwori asked, ” Can we talk of increased money in any state in Nigeria? What is the worth of such money in the face of galloping inflation, gross devaluation of the naira, unparalleled hunger, mass poverty, mass unemployment, and daily closure of major factories and multinationals in the country?
” Both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have rightly stated that Tinubu’ s economic policies are not working, that the policies have transformed Nigeria into the poverty capital of the world, with over 130 million of the population living below the poverty mark. Tinubu’ s economic policies have unleashed economic hardship on Nigerians and are not a desirable model for Delta State. Is this the model that Omo- Agege is recommending for Delta to copy? A model that has unleashed economic hardship on the people? Why would anyone recommend APC’ s T- pain as a remedy to our woes?
” This is not a path desirable for Deltans and one they would want to embrace at this time, ” he submitted. It would be recalled that since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office in May 2023, Nigerians have faced significant economic challenges. The removal of the petrol subsidy, while aimed at freeing up government resources, led to a sharp rise in fuel prices, which increased the cost of transportation and goods. At the same time, the decision to float the naira caused a steep devaluation of the currency, driving up inflation and reducing the purchasing power of ordinary citizens.
These policies, though intended to stimulate long- term economic growth, have intensified short- term hardship. Many households are struggling with rising food prices, job losses, and increased poverty levels. Despite promises of economic reforms, critics argue that the government’ s approach has left millions of Nigerians worse off, with limited safety nets to cushion the effects. The current situation has sparked widespread calls for policies that balance economic growth with measures to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable citizens.
