The Presidency has called on opposition figures and critics of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to offer practical alternatives to the nation’s challenges, rather than relying on what it described as disinformation and politically motivated criticisms.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare, the Presidency urged critics to highlight specific strategies they believe would outperform the policies currently being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Rather than peddling disinformation and relying on artificial intelligence-generated videos to mislead the public, opposition voices must begin to articulate viable solutions that address the realities facing the country,” the statement read.
This response came on the heels of a statement credited to a faction of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, which had accused the Tinubu-led government of economic downturn, democratic erosion, and poor governance. The Presidency, however, dismissed the claims as both “misleading” and “politically prejudiced.”
It noted that the group making the statements had no backing from the recognised leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who has openly commended the administration’s reforms while offering constructive counsel. According to the Presidency, the faction aligned with Oba Oladipo Olaitan, who emerged as leader of a splinter Afenifere group following the death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has consistently used the group’s name to push partisan agendas.
The Presidency described the criticisms from the Olaitan-led faction as lacking objectivity, particularly their concerns over the proposed state police initiative.
“The issue of state police is far more complex than portrayed,” the statement clarified. “Every security-related policy must undergo a rigorous impact assessment to avoid creating a police state that might eventually attract further criticism.”
It added that the proposal for state policing had reached advanced discussions under the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, with modalities for implementation currently being finalised.
While highlighting some of the administration’s economic achievements, the Presidency said that key reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, have begun to yield positive outcomes. It revealed that these measures saved Nigeria over $10 billion in 2024, lifted the nation’s foreign reserves to $38.1 billion, and helped generate a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion.
While acknowledging the initial hardships brought about by these reforms, the government pointed to several intervention programmes aimed at cushioning the effects. These include cash transfers to over 5.7 million households, financial grants and loans to nearly one million individuals, student loans to 600,000 beneficiaries, and a revised national minimum wage of N70,000. The NYSC monthly allowance was also increased from N33,000 to N77,000.
On infrastructure and transport, it said thousands of commercial drivers had received free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) kits, while new CNG-powered buses have been deployed in partnership with state governments, reducing transport costs nationwide.
In terms of financial governance, the administration disclosed that more than $10 billion in foreign exchange backlog had been cleared and that states are now receiving 60 percent more in monthly federal allocations. The government also released N50 billion to address lingering issues in public universities and revived over 1,000 primary healthcare centres.
Other notable achievements, the statement said, include connecting over two million Nigerians through digital infrastructure projects, achieving a GDP growth rate of 3.84 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, and attracting over $50 billion in foreign direct investment pledges.
According to the Presidency, Nigeria’s net foreign reserves have also improved significantly, from $3.99 billion to $23.11 billion, due in part to increased investments in the solid minerals and oil and gas sectors.
Addressing the implementation of the Oronsaye Report, which recommends the merger and reduction of overlapping government agencies, the Presidency said although full implementation is underway, the Tinubu government had demonstrated fiscal discipline.
“The fiscal deficit has dropped from 5.4 percent of GDP in 2023 to 3.0 percent in 2024, while the debt service-to-revenue ratio has improved significantly, from nearly 100 percent in 2022 to under 40 percent in 2024,” the statement noted.
It further disclosed that government revenues in the first quarter of 2025 surpassed N6 trillion, thanks to the discontinuation of Ways and Means advances and the removal of costly subsidies.
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On the issue of corruption, the Presidency highlighted several enforcement measures, including the suspension of a federal minister in January 2024, as well as the achievements of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which recorded 4,111 convictions and recovered N364 billion last year. It also referenced the high-profile forfeiture of a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja, which is now under the control of the Ministry of Housing.
Reacting to allegations of authoritarianism, the statement emphasized the independence of democratic institutions, citing recent Supreme Court rulings in opposition-controlled states like Kano, Plateau, and Abia as evidence of an impartial judiciary.
The Presidency also dismissed suggestions of government interference in protests or electoral processes, insisting that “peaceful dissent is respected under the law.”
On national security, it disclosed that over 13,500 terrorists and armed criminals were neutralised within the past year, with another 7,000 arrested. It added that many farming communities have since resumed agricultural activities, reflecting improved security conditions.
It noted that the Tinubu administration has launched six regional development commissions aimed at driving grassroots development and fostering inclusivity.
Meanwhile, the Presidency reiterated its commitment to delivering results, despite the ongoing challenges facing the country.
“The government is not oblivious to the hardship Nigerians are enduring. However, recovery signs are visible. This administration is working with urgency and clarity of purpose,” the statement concluded.
“The Afenifere faction sees the cup as half empty. But based on verifiable progress, the cup is half full, and filling steadily. From stabilising the naira and managing inflation to reducing public debt and expanding access to health and education, this administration is pushing bold reforms with tangible impact.”
“The comeback story of Nigeria is unfolding, and it is real.”
