Abuja: The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has challenged opposition leaders to move beyond criticisms and present practical, well-articulated alternatives to addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges. This statement was made public by Yilwatda’s Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, during the 10th National Assembly Award Dinner Ceremony in Abuja, where Yilwatda was represented by Daniel Rejenieju.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Yilwatda stressed the need for opposition leaders to refrain from merely condemning government policies, urging them instead to propose viable solutions. He defended the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a crucial step to rescue the nation’s economy from potential fiscal collapse. Yilwatda criticized the previous subsidy regime, describing it as unsustainable and beneficial only to a privileged few, which deprived the country of necessary resources for national development.
He further encouraged Nigerians to support the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, expressing confidence that the temporary hardships experienced would eventually lead to sustainable economic growth and stability. Yilwatda praised Tinubu’s leadership, noting the courage required to implement necessary reforms that previous administrations had failed to execute due to a lack of political will.
Yilwatda highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a significant initiative under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, benefiting millions of students across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. This program has expanded access to higher education and reduced the financial burden on Nigerian families. He also mentioned that the reforms had promoted fiscal discipline, prudent spending, and greater financial planning among citizens.
Increased allocations to states and sub-national governments have enhanced their ability to pay salaries promptly, undertake infrastructure projects, and deliver meaningful development to their constituents. While acknowledging the temporary hardships caused by the reforms, Yilwatda appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and united in their support for the administration.
The statement also noted that special awards were given to deserving Nigerians at the event, convened by Uko Miracle, who praised the president and APC leadership for their achievements. Miracle’s organization documented the administration’s performance through extensive engagement with ministries, departments, and agencies, culminating in a comprehensive magazine showcasing the Tinubu administration’s accomplishments.