The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on opposition leaders in Nigeria to go beyond criticism and provide practical solutions to the country’s economic challenges.
Yilwatda made the statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, during the 10th National Assembly Award Dinner Ceremony held in Abuja.
Represented at the event by Daniel Rejenieju, the APC chairman said opposition figures should focus on presenting workable alternatives rather than only condemning government policies.
He defended the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a necessary measure to prevent further economic difficulties and address long-standing financial challenges.
According to Yilwatda, the former subsidy system was unsustainable and benefited only a small group of people while limiting government resources available for national development.
He urged Nigerians to remain supportive of the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, expressing confidence that the current challenges would eventually lead to stronger economic growth, improved fiscal stability, and broader prosperity.
The APC chairman said effective leadership requires making difficult decisions in the interest of the country, adding that previous administrations had identified the need for reforms but lacked the political courage to implement them.
He explained that the current economic pressures are temporary effects of efforts aimed at correcting structural problems that have affected Nigeria’s economy for years.
Yilwatda also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the major achievements of the administration, stating that the programme has helped students access higher education regardless of their background.
He added that the reforms have encouraged better financial management among citizens and improved the ability of state governments to pay salaries, execute projects, and provide services.
While acknowledging the difficulties faced by Nigerians, he appealed for patience, unity, and continued support for the government’s policies, stressing that meaningful transformation requires collective effort and sacrifice.
