SUNTV Global Channel
Published: Saturday, August 8, 2026
By SUNTV Global News Desk
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, citing figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Household Expectations Survey to argue that many Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities and long-term assets.
In a statement issued on Saturday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the CBN report as evidence that the country’s economic challenges are affecting citizens’ ability to own homes, purchase vehicles and improve their standard of living.
According to the former vice president, the survey showed low confidence among households regarding the purchase of major assets, including motor vehicles, consumer goods, buildings and landed properties.
Atiku argued that the figures were significant because they came from the Central Bank under the current administration, saying they reflected the realities facing Nigerian families.
“These are not figures manufactured by the opposition. They are the verdict of Nigerian households captured by the Central Bank under President Tinubu’s own government,” Atiku said.
He further claimed that rising costs of food, transportation, electricity and other essentials have reduced the ability of many families to save, invest or pursue major life goals.
The former presidential candidate also referenced recent data on food costs, arguing that the increasing price of basic meals has placed additional pressure on households, especially low-income earners.
Atiku accused the government of focusing more on economic statistics while ignoring the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians, saying that improvements in indicators such as GDP growth and foreign reserves would have little meaning if citizens could not afford basic needs.
“An economy succeeds when citizens can work, earn, eat, save, invest and progressively improve their standard of living,” he stated.
However, the Federal Government has continued to defend its economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms, insisting that the measures are necessary to stabilise the economy, attract investment and create long-term growth.
Government officials have also pointed to improvements in some macroeconomic indicators as signs that the reforms are beginning to produce results, while acknowledging ongoing challenges faced by Nigerians.
Atiku maintained that the ultimate measure of economic success should be the impact on citizens’ daily lives and purchasing power.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments on Nigeria’s economy and bring you updates.
