The Nigerian Presidency has rejected claims that the country is on the verge of collapse, labeling such assertions as exaggerated and baseless. In a statement issued on Thursday, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, responded directly to a recent editorial titled “Nigeria is Collapsing under Tinubu’s Watch,” which accused the current administration of mismanaging the nation’s economy and driving it toward ruin.
While acknowledging the ongoing economic challenges, Dare strongly rejected the notion that Nigeria is facing an existential crisis. He emphasized that the country’s difficulties, though significant, are not as dire as some have claimed.
“The claim that 33 million Nigerians are at risk of hunger is a projection, not a confirmed reality,” Dare said, referring to the figures from the Cadre Harmonisé report, a regional tool used to forecast food insecurity.
Dare cautioned against alarmist rhetoric, stating that while constructive criticism is welcome, it must be rooted in facts and not driven by fear. He accused the editorial of engaging in “alarmist journalism” that ignores the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy and alleviate hardship.
To counter the portrayal of a failing economy, Dare pointed to several initiatives launched by the federal government, including the release of food from national reserves, ongoing agricultural programmes, and cash transfer schemes designed to support vulnerable citizens.
On the subject of economic reforms, the Special Adviser highlighted positive developments such as improvements in the naira-dollar exchange rate, as well as continued progress on tax and social policy reforms. He expressed optimism that these reforms would yield tangible results by 2026, contributing to long-term economic stability.
Dare concluded by stressing the importance of truth in national discourse and calling for a more balanced and factual approach to discussions about Nigeria’s future.
