The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as necessary measures that are beginning to yield results despite the hardship experienced by Nigerians.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the President had chosen to confront Nigeria’s longstanding economic challenges rather than transfer the burden to future generations.
The minister spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at a press conference ahead of the unveiling of a book on Tinubu’s reform agenda, promoted by the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement to highlight the administration’s policies and achievements over the past three years.
According to her, Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, amid difficult economic conditions that required decisive action to address structural weaknesses in the economy, revenue collection and public finances.
She said the President inherited difficult policy choices that could no longer be postponed, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, which she argued had drained resources that could have been channelled into essential public services.
“He could have passed the problem to the next generation. He chose to confront it,” she said.
Acknowledging the economic pressure associated with the reforms, Sulaiman-Ibrahim maintained that the sacrifices made by Nigerians would eventually produce benefits.
“The sacrifice is not in vain. The results are beginning to show. There are improvements in external reserves, easing inflationary pressures and renewed investor confidence,” she said.
The minister cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, new tax laws and financial autonomy for local governments as policies intended to extend the benefits of the reforms to ordinary Nigerians.
She argued that the tax laws were designed to protect low-income earners and small businesses, while local government autonomy would bring resources and decision-making closer to communities.
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Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s rising debt, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said borrowing should not automatically be regarded as evidence of economic failure. She referenced the United States as an example of a heavily indebted country that remains a major economy.
She stressed, however, that borrowing should be assessed based on the economic value of the projects it finances and the government’s ability to manage its debt responsibly.
The minister also acknowledged concerns over reports that the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria had increased from 14 million to 20 million, describing the situation as a serious challenge.
She said the government was pursuing interventions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), technical and vocational education, early childhood learning and skills acquisition through a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim cautioned that the benefits of economic reforms might not be felt immediately, explaining that implementation depended on funding, administrative adjustments and coordination among institutions.
President Tinubu is expected to attend the book unveiling as Special Guest of Honour.
Businessman Aliko Dangote is listed as Chief Launcher, while Abdul Samad Rabiu is expected to serve as Co-Chief Launcher. High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is listed as Chief Host, alongside other dignitaries.
The event is intended to showcase the administration’s reform agenda as the government continues to defend its economic policies amid concerns over living costs and the impact of the reforms on households and businesses.