A public affairs analyst and chieftain of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Chris Emejuru, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying they have placed additional hardship on Nigerians despite their intended benefits.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Emejuru said key policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira have worsened the cost of living, leading to higher prices of food, transportation, rent and other essential goods and services.

While acknowledging that the reforms have improved investor confidence and reduced economic bottlenecks, he argued that ordinary Nigerians have seen little improvement in their living conditions.

Emejuru said the government should have implemented the reforms gradually and introduced stronger social safety nets, including affordable transportation, easier access to grants, support for agriculture and food supply chains, and incentives for the manufacturing and housing sectors to cushion the impact on citizens.

He also advocated a managed exchange rate system, where market forces are balanced with government intervention to promote stability and fairness.

Commenting on the recent tax reforms, Emejuru said the policies do not directly harm small and medium-sized enterprises but stressed that proper implementation and harmonisation are necessary to ensure Nigerians experience their intended benefits. He added that greater investment in the digital economy would create more jobs and opportunities for citizens.
:::writing