Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and presidential contender, has publicly condemned the economic approach of President Bola Tinubu. Through his spokesperson Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the current administration’s reliance on borrowing, heavy taxation, and massive imports has fueled national hardship. He asserts that the path to recovery must shift toward domestic production and industrial growth rather than current consumption-heavy models.
Highlighting the impact of these policies, Atiku noted that the preference for foreign goods has stifled local businesses and accelerated inflation. He pointed to skyrocketing food costs, noting that food inflation has reached staggering levels in states like Kogi and Niger. Additionally, he emphasized that Nigerian manufacturers spent over N3.53 trillion on raw material imports in just six months, a trend he argues exports jobs and increases national poverty.
To reverse this downturn, Atiku proposed an agenda focused on boosting agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. His plan includes improving power supply, securing farming regions, and providing affordable credit to local businesses. Drawing on his tenure under President Olusegun Obasanjo, he reiterated his commitment to the slogan: Produce in Nigeria, Employ Nigerians, and Consume Nigerian products.
