KEY POINTS
- Presidency dismisses collapse warnings as exaggerated.
- Government cites reforms and food reserves as relief.
- Cadre Harmonisé hunger data called a projection.
The Nigerian Presidency has pushed back against reports that the nation is spiraling into collapse, calling such claims unfounded and misleading.
In a statement on Thursday, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, criticised a recent editorial titled Nigeria Is Collapsing Under Tinubu’s Watch, saying it distorts the country’s current state.
While acknowledging that the economy is under strain, Dare insisted that the situation isn’t as dire as portrayed in the editorial, which he said is fuelling public anxiety.
Cadre Harmonisé data not a confirmed reality
Responding further to claims that 33 million Nigerians are at risk of hunger, Dare said the figure is based on Cadre Harmonisé hunger projections, not confirmed outcomes. Moreover the report widely used across West Africa to assess food security threats, provides forecasts not hard data, he stressed further.
Dare said “Criticism is welcome, but it must be rooted in truth not fear-mongering,”. He accused the media of relying on speculation rather than verified facts.
Govt touts reforms, food reserves and social support
The government highlighted ongoing interventions to ease hardship. For example the release of food from national reserves, expanded agricultural programs, also targeted cash transfers.
Dare also added that macroeconomic indicators like the stabilisation of the naira against the dollar show that reforms are beginning to yield results.
He also noted that broader tax and social reforms are underway and are expected to gain momentum through 2026, forming part of a longer-term plan to stabilise Nigeria’s economy.
