Nigerians better off today than in 1960, says Tinubu’s aide

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, has argued that Nigerians are living better today than they did at independence in 1960, despite current economic challenges.

Speaking during a Channels Television programme on Friday, Fasua said it was misleading to compare present realities with the early post-independence era, stressing that life in 1960 was mostly rural, with little access to infrastructure.

“In many ways, we are living a better life now than was the case in 1960. Back then, most people were in villages, and it was after we assumed self-rule that the migration into Lagos, Ibadan, Kaduna, Enugu and other urban centres began. That movement created a new kind of poverty – urban poverty,” he said.

Fasua maintained that the Tinubu administration is focused on addressing both historical and present poverty through reforms and infrastructure development rather than cash handouts.

“This government is determined to chart a different course. We are not just sharing money. We are investing in projects that prepare even our children and unborn generations for a better life than what we experienced,” he explained.

He faulted the 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Report, which placed 133 million Nigerians below the poverty line, describing it as outdated.

According to him, recent investments in roads and other infrastructure have lifted millions out of poverty, while inflation, which peaked at 34 percent, has dropped to 24 percent and is expected to fall further.

Citing the World Poverty Clock, Fasua said reforms had helped lift between five and six million Nigerians out of poverty.

He urged Nigerians to be patient, saying meaningful economic progress takes time.

“If you think you are poorer today than some years back and conclude nothing has been achieved, you are wrong. Progress is gradual,” he added.