A former member of the House of Representatives, Sam Onuigbo, has acknowledged that some of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies have worsened living conditions for Nigerians, particularly through rising transportation and food costs.
Onuigbo made the admission during an interactive session with members of the Globe Legislators in Umuahia, Abia State, on Monday.
He identified the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market as major policy decisions that had contributed to economic difficulties, although he described them as necessary steps to address structural problems in the economy.
The former lawmaker, however, said the Federal Government must ensure that the gains expected from the reforms translate into improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.
“The ultimate objective must be to translate improved macroeconomic indicators into increased purchasing power, lower living costs and better welfare for ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
Onuigbo also pointed to increased crude oil production, the Dangote Refinery, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and major road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, as developments requiring sustained government commitment.
He argued that abandoning ongoing reforms midway could undermine investments and progress made by the administration.
The former lawmaker subsequently called on Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, arguing that a second term would provide an opportunity to consolidate economic reforms and complete ongoing infrastructure projects.
Onuigbo, who is the President of Globe Legislators and Patron of the Strategic Mobilization Network for Tinubu Continuity 2027, also urged members of the group to mobilize support across communities, market associations, student groups, artisans and religious organizations ahead of the general elections.
He, however, cautioned that support for the administration should not amount to ignoring its shortcomings, insisting that government policies must deliver tangible benefits to citizens.