The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the economic policies of Bola Tinubu, saying the reported rise in Nigeria’s poverty rate to 63 percent after the removal of petrol subsidy is a “damning verdict” on the administration.
According to the party, the increase in poverty highlights the growing economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians, as higher fuel prices and transportation costs continue to push up the overall cost of living.
In a statement released on Friday, March 13, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the new poverty figures represent the true scorecard of the current government and the result of what the party described as poorly defined neoliberal economic policies.
The ADC said poverty levels rose sharply from about 50 percent before the fuel subsidy removal to 63 percent afterwards, showing the heavy impact of the policy on ordinary Nigerians.
The party stated that the report only confirms what many citizens already experience daily.
According to the statement, living costs are rising quickly, people’s purchasing power is shrinking, and many families are falling deeper into hardship across the country.
Rising Fuel Costs Make Life Harder
The ADC explained that the figures were presented at a policy dialogue held in Abuja on Thursday, where the report showed that poverty increased significantly after the subsidy was removed.
The party said the higher cost of fuel and transportation spread across the entire economy, leading to increases in the prices of food, transport fares, and other essential goods.
It argued that these developments are the result of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government’s decision to remove the subsidy without fully considering how it would affect citizens.
According to the ADC, removing the subsidy without strong protection measures for ordinary people has deepened economic difficulties for many households.
Questions Over Government Promises
The ADC also questioned the Federal Government’s explanation for removing the subsidy.
The government had argued that ending the subsidy would allow funds to be redirected to important sectors such as healthcare and education.
However, the party said that three years after the policy began, Nigerians have not seen clear improvements in those sectors.
According to the statement, citizens are still waiting to see real benefits from the subsidy removal.
Surveys Show Public Dissatisfaction
The party also referred to independent surveys showing widespread dissatisfaction with the current economic situation.
According to the data cited by the ADC:
- 93% of Nigerians believe the country is moving in the wrong direction.
- 88% describe the national economy as bad.
- 74% say their personal living conditions are poor.
The party said these numbers are not just statistics but reflect the real struggles Nigerians face every day.
Hardship Becoming a Daily Reality
The ADC added that there is increasing evidence of widespread deprivation across the country.
Many households, the party said, have had to go without basic necessities such as:
Food
- Clean water
- Medical care
- Cooking fuel
- Regular income
According to the party, economic hardship has moved beyond a temporary challenge and has become a daily reality for millions of families.
The ADC argued that the true test of any economic policy is whether it improves the lives of the majority while protecting the most vulnerable.
By that standard, the party said, the current administration has fallen short of expectations.
