The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has challenged opposition leaders to move beyond criticising government policies and instead present practical and well-defined alternatives to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Speaking at the 10th National Assembly Award Dinner in Abuja on Wednesday, Yilwatda, represented by his Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Hon. Daniel Rejenieju, said many opposition politicians had pledged during the 2023 general election campaigns to remove the fuel subsidy but failed to outline realistic measures to cushion the impact on Nigerians.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Mr. Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman said the removal of the fuel subsidy was an inevitable and necessary step to prevent the country’s economy from sliding into fiscal collapse.
He described the former subsidy regime as an unsustainable system that benefited a privileged few while depriving the nation of resources needed for critical development.
Yilwatda urged Nigerians to continue supporting the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, expressing confidence that the short-term hardship associated with the policies would ultimately lead to sustainable economic growth, fiscal stability and shared prosperity.
He said courageous leadership requires making difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions in the national interest, adding that President Tinubu had demonstrated political will by implementing reforms that previous administrations had acknowledged were necessary but failed to execute.
According to him, the current economic challenges are temporary consequences of reforms aimed at correcting long-standing structural distortions, with the long-term benefits expected to outweigh the immediate sacrifices.
Highlighting the administration’s achievements, Yilwatda described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) as one of the most significant social intervention programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He said the scheme had enabled millions of students in tertiary institutions to access financial support regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, thereby expanding access to higher education and easing the financial burden on families.
He also said the reforms had encouraged greater fiscal discipline by promoting prudent spending, responsible financial planning and increased productivity.
Yilwatda further noted that higher allocations to states and other sub-national governments had enhanced their ability to pay salaries, execute infrastructure projects and deliver development initiatives.
While acknowledging the hardship caused by the reforms, he appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and united in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that lasting national transformation requires resilience, sacrifice and collective commitment.
The convener of the awards, Hon. Uko Miracle, commended President Tinubu and the APC leadership for what he described as significant achievements since taking office. He said his organisation had undertaken a nationwide assessment of the administration’s performance through engagements with Ministries, Departments and Agencies, culminating in the publication of a magazine documenting the President’s accomplishments.
Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Hajia Fatima Abbas praised the organisers for recognising excellence in public service. She also commended the Renewed Hope Agenda for its impact on Nigerians and lauded First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her commitment to women’s empowerment and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Most Outstanding Personal Private Secretary in Nigerian Politics Award to the Personal Private Secretary to the APC National Chairman, Comrade Jubrin Bancir, in recognition of his professionalism, dedication and contributions to public service.
Also honoured was the Secretary in the Office of the APC National Chairman, Caroline Omeashem, who received the Most Outstanding Award in Confidentiality and Professional Service. The organisers commended her discretion, diligence and administrative excellence, noting that her work alongside Bancir had contributed significantly to the efficient operation of the chairman’s office.
The organisers said the awards reflected the importance of professionalism, integrity and dedication in strengthening public institutions and promoting effective democratic governance.
