The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of misrepresenting the recent comments made by the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Nigeria’s economy.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the government selectively highlighted Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s mention of “stabilization” while downplaying her urgent call for policies that stimulate growth, generate jobs, and strengthen social safety nets.
According to Abdullahi, the administration’s response to Okonjo-Iweala’s remarks reflects a search for political validation rather than a genuine commitment to addressing Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions.
“Dr. Okonjo-Iweala knows that a stable economy is one that is growing in real terms, led by jobs and productivity. She knows that stability means an economy that guarantees minimum living standards for its citizens. What she’s really saying, which the government has chosen to ignore, is that the economy is stagnant, jobs are not being created, and millions are suffering as a direct consequence of President Tinubu’s ill-conceived reforms,” Abdullahi said.
ADC Challenges FG with Data
The party backed its claims with official figures, pointing out that: GDP growth stood at 3.13% in Q1 2025 and slightly above 3% in Q2 — far below the “robust recovery” promised by the Tinubu administration.
Inflation in June 2025 hit 22.22%, with food inflation at 21.97%.
Petrol prices averaged N1,037.66 per litre, while the naira traded at around N1,530/$1 in the parallel market.
The ADC argued that these figures reflect the hardship triggered by government policy decisions, including fuel subsidy removal, naira devaluation, and tariff hikes on electricity and transport.
“These policies have deepened the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. Social safety net programmes, which are now essential, have either been administered haphazardly, suspended, or delivered negligible impact,” Abdullahi stated.
Okonjo-Iweala’s Clarification
The ADC also drew attention to a clarification issued by Dr. Okonjo-Iweala via social media, where she stressed the need to balance stabilization with growth-oriented reforms.
She was quoted as saying: “At the same time, it is necessary to start work on growing the economy to create more jobs and put money in people’s pockets.”
The party said this reinforced its position that the government should not mistake temporary stabilization for sustainable recovery.
ADC’s Warning to the Government
The ADC cautioned that focusing on “superficial stability” without addressing the root causes of economic decline would be a dangerous distraction.
“Every well-meaning Nigerian knows that celebrating the mere appearance of stability is pyrrhic. The Tinubu administration must go beyond rhetoric and propaganda and confront the harsh realities faced daily by millions under the APC government,” the statement concluded.