LAGOS: All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies amid criticism over poverty, hunger and the rising cost of living in Nigeria.
Morka made the remarks during an appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Brief, where he argued that poverty was a longstanding national challenge that successive administrations had struggled to address.
Responding to criticisms from opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other political opponents, Morka maintained that Tinubu’s references to the historical roots of poverty were intended to provide context for Nigeria’s economic difficulties, not to evade responsibility.
He acknowledged that the existence of poverty before Tinubu assumed office did not absolve the current administration of its obligation to improve living conditions.
Morka pointed to the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023 as a major policy decision aimed at addressing economic distortions and improving government revenue.
He argued that the administration’s reforms were intended to tackle structural problems in the economy, adding that their broader benefits would require time to materialise.
The APC spokesman also cited the economic challenges faced by previous administrations, including the years Atiku served as vice president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as part of his argument that poverty could not be attributed to one government alone.
However, the discussion focused on whether the reforms introduced by Tinubu were translating into meaningful improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
During the interview, the Arise TV presenter challenged Morka over Tinubu’s 2023 campaign commitments on hunger reduction, food security, job creation and agricultural development.
The presenter recalled Tinubu’s pledge, let us conquer hunger rather than allowing hunger to conquer us, while questioning the administration’s progress towards fulfilling its promises.
Other commitments raised included the development of agricultural hubs, storage facilities, processing plants and commodity exchange boards intended to support farmers and improve the agricultural value chain.
The presenter also referenced Tinubu’s promise to create one million jobs in the digital economy and his broader employment and industrial development agenda.
In response, Morka argued that complex economic commitments should be assessed in the context of policy implementation and the time required for reforms to produce results.
He maintained that the President had not promised to eliminate poverty within his first 100 days, stressing that the administration’s four-year mandate provided time to implement its programme.
Morka also argued that a possible second term could offer additional time to consolidate the policies already introduced.
The exchange underscored the disagreement between the administration’s defence of its reform agenda and questions about the immediate economic pressures facing households.
The presenter challenged the government’s explanation that poverty predated Tinubu’s presidency, arguing that voters would judge the President against his campaign promises and the outcomes of his policies.
While Morka defended the administration’s approach, the discussion highlighted continuing concerns over food affordability, household purchasing power, employment and the broader cost of living.
As political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum, the Tinubu administration’s economic record, delivery on campaign commitments and ability to improve citizens’ living standards are expected to remain central issues in the national debate.
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