Wike Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Says Nigeria’s Recovery Will Take Time

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, arguing that the administration inherited a severely damaged economy that could not be repaired overnight. Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja, Wike said the government’s policies, though difficult for many Nigerians in the short term, were necessary to reverse years of economic decline and lay the foundation for long-term growth.

The former Rivers State governor praised President Tinubu’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, describing it as a bold and necessary reform that previous administrations had acknowledged was unsustainable but lacked the political will to implement. According to Wike, ending the subsidy has improved revenue available to state governments for infrastructure, salaries, and pensions.

Wike urged Nigerians to remain patient, stressing that rebuilding an economy weakened over many years would require time. He acknowledged that no government policy is without challenges but maintained that effective leadership involves making difficult decisions in the national interest. The minister also commented on the 2027 presidential race, dismissing the prospects of Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He accused Obi of engaging in what he described as “politics of sentiment” and suggested that previous remarks about Atiku by his former political allies should influence voters’ judgment. Wike’s remarks have drawn responses from political stakeholders. The African Democratic Congress ADC in Rivers State criticized his comments, insisting that the outcome of the 2027 elections would be determined by voters rather than political declarations. Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi also rejected Wike’s criticism of Cardinal John Onaiyekan, while the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria defended the cleric’s recent comments on national affairs.