The Presidency has strongly rejected criticisms from a factional Afenifere group regarding President Bola Tinubu’s two-year performance, describing the statements as “deceitful” and lacking objectivity.
In a detailed response issued by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, the Presidency accused the Yoruba socio-political organization’s faction of deliberate fault-finding and trading in deceit instead of providing balanced assessment of the administration’s achievements.
The factional Afenifere group had claimed that President Tinubu’s administration has witnessed regression in human development, economic mismanagement, and democratic backsliding over the past two years. However, the Presidency dismissed these assertions as “jaundiced views” that echo opposition politicians’ positions.
According to the Presidency’s response, the removal of fuel subsidy announced on May 29, 2023, saved the government over $10 billion in 2023 alone, while the unification of the foreign exchange market boosted foreign reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024 and achieved a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion for the country.
The government highlighted that Nigeria’s annual inflation rate fell to 23.71% in April 2025 from 24.23% in the previous month, with food inflation moderating to 21.26% from 21.79%. The administration’s cash transfer programme reportedly benefits over 5.7 million households as part of social safety net measures.
The statement also outlined extensive achievements of the Tinubu administration, including over 900,000 beneficiaries of the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, over 600,000 beneficiaries of the Students’ Loan Scheme, the N70,000 minimum wage implementation, and NYSC monthly stipend increase from N33,000 to N77,000.
Other highlighted achievements include the distribution of free CNG kits to thousands of commercial drivers, over $10 billion in foreign exchange debt clearance, 60% growth in federal account allocation to states, N50 billion released to end ASUU strikes, and over 1,000 Primary Healthcare Centers revitalized nationwide.
On economic performance, the Presidency cited 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024 as the highest in three years, over $50 billion in new Foreign Direct Investment commitments, and net foreign exchange reserves increasing from $3.99 billion in 2023 to $23.11 billion in 2024.
Addressing allegations of corruption and prebendalism, the government pointed to the suspension of Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu in January 2024 over alleged fund diversion as evidence of accountability. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission reportedly secured a record-breaking 4,111 convictions in 2024, recovering over N364 billion and significant foreign currency amounts.
The Presidency defended the administration’s democratic credentials against accusations of pursuing “one-party state totalitarianism,” noting that the Supreme Court has upheld opposition victories in states like Kano, Plateau, and Abia, demonstrating judicial independence.
On security achievements, the government claimed that over 13,500 terrorists, bandits, and insurgents have been neutralized with 7,000 arrested in the past year, enabling more farmers to return to their farms and impacting food production positively.
The response also highlighted the establishment of Development Commissions across six geopolitical zones and various agricultural initiatives including tractor procurement, fertilizer distribution, and increased mechanization.
The Presidency also emphasized that economic reforms are laying the foundation for long-term stability, citing GDP growth at 4.6% in Q4 2024 and recent credit rating upgrades from both Fitch and Moody’s as evidence of progress.
“Under President Tinubu’s administration, some of Nigeria’s hydra-headed problems are being tackled headlong,” Dare stated, arguing that the administration has achieved fiscal improvements that will translate into meaningful economic relief for Nigerians.
The Presidency acknowledged some discontent among Nigerians but maintained that there is urgency to deliver more tangible results, expressing confidence in the administration’s trajectory based on its performance over two years.
The statement concludes that responsible citizens and political leaders must work collaboratively with the administration to address challenges and counter disinformation, stating that “Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway.”
