The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, saying nobody should pretend that life is easy at the moment.
Gbajabiamila made the remarks while defending the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, including the removal of petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system.
Speaking at the presentation of the Federal Government’s 2027–2031 manifesto, titled From Reforms to Prosperity Agenda, he said President Tinubu had chosen to make difficult decisions in the country’s long-term interest rather than pursue policies aimed at securing immediate political gains.
According to him, there is a significant difference between governing as a politician and leading as a statesman, particularly when decisions involve difficult economic consequences.
He explained that the President understood the immediate impact of the reforms on Nigerians but considered them necessary to address longstanding economic challenges.
Gbajabiamila acknowledged that the decisions had placed considerable pressure on households, insisting that the government must recognise the experiences of ordinary citizens.
He said: “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.”
The presidential aide, however, maintained that the government’s responsibility was to ensure that the opportunities created by the reforms translated into improved living conditions for Nigerians.
He described the administration’s manifesto as a commitment between the government and citizens, saying its credibility would depend on the ability to fulfil its promises.
Gbajabiamila also highlighted several government initiatives, including the N-Power programme, student loan scheme, tax reforms and the Electricity Act, which he said were designed to expand opportunities and improve public service delivery.
On education, he noted that the student loan scheme was helping young Nigerians access higher education by providing support for institutional fees and other expenses.
He also pointed to tax reforms intended to provide relief for lower-income earners and eligible small businesses.
Speaking on electricity, he said the Electricity Act had created opportunities for state governments to establish and regulate their own electricity markets, potentially encouraging investment and improving power supply.
The Chief of Staff further explained that the administration’s manifesto was built around four major pillars, including security, with measurable targets and clearly defined responsibilities.
He urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take ownership of the document by explaining its policies to Nigerians, engaging communities and listening to public concerns.
Gbajabiamila said Nigerians should be able to assess the government’s performance and hold public officials accountable for commitments made.
He also called on citizens, including those who remain unconvinced by the administration’s policies, to examine the manifesto and judge the government based on its achievements and promises.
The presentation of the manifesto comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, during which the Tinubu administration will seek another mandate to continue its economic reform programme.
Gbajabiamila expressed optimism that the proposed policies would help create a country where families could enjoy decent living standards, businesses could grow and young people would have greater opportunities to achieve their ambitions.
