Is Nigeria’s Economy on the Right Track? An APC Chieftain Weighs In.

Amidst ongoing debates and criticisms surrounding Nigeria’s economic direction, a prominent voice from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ayodele Arise, has offered a staunch defense of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. According to Senator Arise, bold economic reforms spearheaded by President Tinubu have had a significant and positive impact on the Nigerian economy, outperforming previous administrations despite the chorus of opposition.

Reforms Bearing Fruit?

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the former senator for Ekiti North Senatorial District (2007-2011) firmly stated that the President’s policy decisions are already yielding tangible benefits for many Nigerians. “From my position, I can say that the decisions of Mr. President have benefited many Nigerians,” Arise affirmed, adding, “We can see positive movement in economic growth, supported by statistics available to the public.”

While specific figures weren’t detailed, Arise pointed to a claimed reduction in inflation and a notable increase in funding for crucial institutions as evidence of progress. One key area highlighted was the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a scheme he believes is democratizing access to tertiary education and ensuring financial constraints don’t bar qualified students from pursuing their academic dreams.

Stability in Education & Grassroots Governance

Beyond economics, Senator Arise also credited the Tinubu administration for fostering greater stability within the university system. He linked this improvement to the government’s proactive engagement with academic and non-academic unions, including ASUU and NASU. This renewed dialogue, he noted, has significantly reduced academic disruptions, allowing students to complete their programs within stipulated timelines—a stark contrast to previous years where four-year courses often stretched to six or seven, contributing to ‘brain drain.’

Furthermore, the APC chieftain lauded President Tinubu’s insistence on financial autonomy for local governments. This crucial step, Arise explained, aims to accelerate development in rural areas by granting councils direct access to their funds. This newfound independence is expected to enhance service delivery in critical sectors like road construction, healthcare, and primary education, making local governments more accountable to their communities and impactful at the grassroots level.

The Courageous Stance on Fuel Subsidy

Perhaps one of the most controversial decisions of the administration, the removal of the fuel subsidy, also received a strong defense from Senator Arise. He described it as a difficult yet absolutely necessary step that brought an end to years of abuse and debilitating revenue leakages. “Only a courageous leader could take that step and stand by it,” Arise asserted, alleging that the previous subsidy regime was riddled with fraudulent practices that primarily benefited a small, privileged group.

Looking Ahead

Senator Arise’s remarks paint a picture of an administration making tough but impactful decisions aimed at long-term national benefit. While criticisms from opposition figures continue to resonate, the APC chieftain remains steadfast in his belief that President Tinubu’s reforms are setting Nigeria on a path toward stronger economic growth, enhanced social development, and improved governance across all levels.

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