Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Samson Ayokunle, has sharply criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, saying that millions of Nigerians are becoming poorer as a result of current economic policies.
Ayokunle’s remarks, delivered during a public address on national issues, reflect growing concern among various segments of society about the impact of economic reforms implemented since the Tinubu administration assumed office in May 2023. According to the cleric, ordinary Nigerians are enduring increased hardship, with the high cost of living undermining their capacity to provide for basic needs.
The former CAN leader pointed to steep increases in the price of essential commodities, including foodstuffs such as rice, garri, beans and cooking oil, and said families are struggling to cope with rising costs. He said many households are now forced to cut back on essentials just to survive, stressing that the current economic hardships were felt most acutely by low‑income earners.
Ayokunle also expressed concern about the impact of inflation on middle‑income earners, arguing that the economic pressure is no longer limited to the most vulnerable alone. He warned that the crisis of affordability is now threatening those who once managed to maintain a modest standard of living, noting the weakening purchasing power of the naira and the cumulative effect of price increases on goods and services.
In addition, the cleric criticised rising taxes and levies imposed by different levels of government, saying that increased financial demands on citizens have further strained family budgets already stretched thin by inflation. He urged government officials to recognise the growing burden on Nigerians and to consider the economic realities confronting millions of citizens.
The basis of Ayokunle’s criticism stems largely from major policy decisions taken by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of the long‑standing petrol subsidy. The fuel subsidy had been a costly annual burden on government finances, and its removal was intended to free up resources for other developmental priorities. However, the reform led to a sharp increase in petrol prices almost immediately, which in turn raised transportation costs and contributed to higher prices for goods across the economy.
In addition to subsidy removal, the government introduced reforms to the foreign exchange regime, allowing the naira to float more freely in currency markets. While these measures aimed to stabilise foreign exchange markets and attract investment, the resulting depreciation of the naira has contributed to inflationary pressures and increased the cost of imported goods.
Economic analysts say that although these policy changes were aimed at long‑term structural improvements, the short‑term effects have intensified the cost‑of‑living crisis for many Nigerians whose incomes have not kept pace with rising prices.
Ayokunle said that while economic reforms can be necessary for a country’s long‑term growth, the wellbeing of citizens must not be compromised. He argued that leadership should involve ensuring that reforms translate into better living conditions, not prolonged hardship.
He also called for stronger social safety nets and policies to support job creation, particularly through investment in sectors that have the capacity to absorb labour such as agriculture, manufacturing and small‑scale enterprises. According to him, boosting food production and stabilising supply chains would help to reduce dependency on imports and ease prices of staple foods.
The cleric urged the government to show empathy toward citizens dealing with economic difficulty and to consider measures that directly improve livelihoods rather than exacerbate financial stress. He warned that persistent poverty could have significant social consequences if not addressed with urgency, including increasing social unrest and weakened public confidence in governance.
Ayokunle’s comments echo broader national debates about Nigeria’s economic direction. Civil society organisations, labour unions and other religious leaders have also raised concerns about the wellbeing of citizens amid ongoing hardship. Protests and activism under slogans calling for better governance and economic relief have taken place in parts of the country, reflecting public frustration over unemployment, rising prices and limited economic opportunities.
Supporters of the administration argue that the reforms were necessary to correct longstanding fiscal imbalances and to attract foreign investment. They maintain that the removal of the fuel subsidy and currency reforms were painful but essential steps toward stabilising the economy and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on unsustainable subsidies.
President Tinubu has publicly defended his reform agenda, saying that the government inherited a fragile economy and had to make difficult choices to prevent further deterioration. He has repeatedly stated that the reforms are beginning to create a more resilient economic framework that will yield benefits over the medium to long term.
Government officials have also pointed to improvements in fiscal indicators and increased revenue flows to subnational governments as signs that reforms are beginning to take effect. They argue that stabilised finances will create room for development spending and infrastructure investment.
Despite these government assurances, Ayokunle emphasised that the state of ordinary Nigerians must remain at the forefront of national policy considerations. He said that economic policies should aim not only to strengthen macroeconomic fundamentals but also to safeguard the wellbeing of families whose livelihoods are under threat.
Observers say comments from influential religious figures carry weight in national discourse because of their close engagement with grassroots communities and moral authority on social issues.
As debates over Nigeria’s economic direction continue, Ayokunle’s statement adds to a growing chorus of voices calling for balanced policies that couple structural reforms with concrete measures to alleviate poverty and improve living standards.
For many Nigerians, the pressing question remains whether the benefits of economic reforms will soon be felt in everyday life or whether the current period of hardship will persist, deepening the divide between policy intentions and popular realities.
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