Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has acknowledged that the removal of petrol subsidy and other economic reforms introduced by the administration have made life difficult for Nigerians, saying the hardship facing households should not be ignored or downplayed.
Gbajabiamila, however, defended the policies, maintaining that Tinubu took the decisions in the long-term interest of the country and chose to confront longstanding economic problems rather than preserve an unsustainable system for immediate political convenience.
He spoke on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in Abuja at the presentation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027–2031 presidential manifesto and electoral roadmap, titled From Reforms to Prosperity Agenda.
The Chief of Staff identified the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market as major decisions taken to address structural weaknesses in the Nigerian economy and establish a more sustainable foundation for growth.
He admitted that the measures had placed considerable financial pressure on households, insisting that the experiences of Nigerians struggling with the rising cost of living deserved to be acknowledged.
“Now, those decisions have placed real pressure on households. We must speak honestly about that experience because the people living through it deserve to be heard. And nobody should have to pretend that life is easy at the moment,” he said.
Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, argued that retaining the previous economic arrangements would have worsened the country’s financial difficulties and undermined its ability to invest in the future.
He contrasted political leaders who prioritise immediate electoral gains with statesmen willing to make difficult decisions for the long-term interest of the country.
According to him, Tinubu could have maintained the existing economic policies to avoid public dissatisfaction but instead chose to confront what he described as deep-rooted economic distortions.
“If he came in as a politician and decided to govern as a politician, he would have continued on the cruise, on the path that we were taking.
“But instead, knowing full well the immediate consequences, he decided he would govern as a leader,” Gbajabiamila said.
He stressed that the ultimate measure of the reforms would be their ability to improve living standards, create economic opportunities and ensure that Nigerians begin to experience tangible benefits from the government’s policies.
The Chief of Staff described the newly presented manifesto as a reflection of Tinubu’s governing philosophy and ambition to build an economy where citizens could earn decent livelihoods through hard work and enjoy fair opportunities to prosper.
He said the administration’s vision was to create a country where success would not depend on political connections or patronage but on individual effort and access to opportunities.
“At the heart of this manifesto is my abiding conviction that every Nigerian should be able to share. Your country should give your best efforts a fair chance.
“A manifesto, in its strictest sense, is simply a contract between the people and the leader,” he said.
Gbajabiamila also highlighted government interventions in education, social welfare, taxation and electricity, describing them as part of efforts to widen access to opportunities and reduce barriers facing citizens.
Among the initiatives he mentioned were the N-Power programme and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides financial support to eligible students pursuing higher education.
On taxation, he said the government’s reforms were designed to establish a fairer system by reducing the burden on low-income earners and eligible small businesses.
He also pointed to the Electricity Act, which provides a framework for state governments to establish and regulate electricity markets within their jurisdictions, describing it as an important step towards attracting investment and expanding electricity access.
The Chief of Staff maintained that improving electricity supply, education and access to economic opportunities would help young Nigerians pursue their ambitions without depending on political patronage.
He urged members and stakeholders of the APC to take responsibility for explaining the administration’s policies and defending its record ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gbajabiamila said the ruling party must be prepared to account for its performance and convince Nigerians through its achievements rather than relying solely on campaign promises.
“The party asking to continue in government must be prepared to answer the people whose mandate it seeks.
“We must earn support through the quality of work, through the quality of our case and the seriousness of our conduct,” he said.
He added that the 2027 general election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to decide whether the current administration should continue with its reform programme or whether alternative approaches to governance should be pursued.
The APC’s 2027–2031 manifesto outlines the party’s proposed priorities for a possible second term, with emphasis on economic growth, improved living standards, national security, electricity, infrastructure, education, employment and accountable governance.
IBN News — Fearless, Strong & Reliable
