Atiku Offers Six Ways to Remodel Tinubu’s Policies

Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s policies, claiming they have impoverished the poor and bankrupted the rich. As Tinubu marks his first year in office, Atiku has proposed six steps to improve the administration’s policies and create a prosperous Nigeria.

1. Pause and Reflect: Atiku urges President Tinubu to take a step back and review the impact of his policies. He stresses the importance of a comprehensive review of the 2024 budget within a new reform framework.
2. Revise the Social Investment Programme (SIP): Atiku advocates for a thorough review of the SIP to better support the most vulnerable households. He suggests expanding the programme beyond Conditional Cash Transfers to include support for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and medium and large-scale enterprises affected by the removal of fuel subsidies.
3. Avoid New Taxes: Atiku warns against introducing new taxes or increasing existing ones. He calls for expenditure rationalization, improved revenue utilization, and a reduction in the size of government to lower the cost of governance.
4. Clarify Fuel Subsidy Regime: Atiku demands transparency on the fuel subsidy reform, including fiscal commitments and benefits, and its impact on the Federation Accounts.
5. Address Security Issues: Atiku highlights the urgent need to tackle widespread insecurity, which severely hampers agricultural production and economic contributions, particularly in northern Nigeria.
6. Economic Reforms with Proper Sequencing: Atiku emphasizes the need for well-sequenced reforms with clear implementation strategies. He criticizes Tinubu’s policies as trial-and-error economics, leading to worsening macroeconomic stability, high inflation, and increased living costs.

Atiku argues that President Tinubu’s actions have led to a more fragile economy, with Nigeria now ranking fourth in Africa, behind Algeria, Egypt, and South Africa. He notes that unemployment, poverty, and economic instability have intensified, with significant impacts on food prices, transportation costs, and overall living standards.

Atiku asserts that Tinubu’s policies have failed to attract foreign investments and improve Nigeria’s trade balance, with the Naira’s sharp devaluation further exacerbating economic challenges. He calls for a clear framework outlining reform objectives and strategies to guide the administration’s efforts.

In conclusion, Atiku warns that without proper planning and execution, President Tinubu’s policies will continue to harm the economy and the livelihoods of Nigerians. He urges the government to adopt his six recommended steps to foster economic stability and growth.