The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of distorting recent comments made by World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Nigeria’s economic situation, warning that her central message is being lost in political spin.
In a strongly worded statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the government was amplifying only a single line from Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s remarksremarks, where she commended efforts to “stabilise the economy”, while deliberately ignoring her call for urgent action to alleviate widespread hardship through job creation and social safety nets.
“What she really said is that the economy is not growing in real terms, jobs are not being created, and too many people are suffering,” the ADC stated.
The party described the government’s selective narrative as a “dangerous distraction” from the harsh economic realities facing millions of Nigerians as a result of recent reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, naira devaluation, and hikes in electricity and transport tariffs.
GDP growth for Q1 2025 stood at 3.13%, with Q2 barely surpassing that mark, a performance analysts say is insufficient to drive meaningful recovery.
Headline inflation remained high at 22.22% in June, with food inflation at 21.97%, straining household incomes.
Fuel prices now average ₦1,037.66 per litre, while the naira trades at ₦1,530/$1, significantly weaker than the ₦460 it was before Tinubu’s reforms.
“These figures reflect economic stagnation, not prosperity. It’s disingenuous to claim stability when Nigerians can’t afford basic necessities,” Abdullahi added.
The ADC pointed out that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, known globally for her economic expertise, had in fact urged the government to implement immediate measures to support vulnerable Nigerians affected by the policy changes.
She later reiterated this in a clarifying tweet, emphasizing the need for safety nets and inclusive economic growth to “put money in people’s pockets.”
The ADC concluded by urging the Federal Government to shift from media optics to substantive action, stressing that social support schemes are not optional but urgently necessary.
“The time for rhetoric is over. What Nigerians need now is relief, not propaganda.”
