The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has challenged opposition leaders to move beyond criticism of government policies and present practical alternatives to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.
According to an official statement signed by the Special Adviser to the APC National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Professor Yilwatda made the call through Hon. Daniel Rejenieju at the 10th National Assembly Award Dinner Ceremony held at the House of Representatives Complex in Abuja.
He said many opposition politicians had also pledged during the 2023 general election campaigns to remove the fuel subsidy but failed to outline realistic measures for cushioning the impact on Nigerians.
The APC National Chairman described the removal of the fuel subsidy as an unavoidable decision aimed at preventing fiscal collapse, arguing that the former subsidy regime primarily benefited a privileged few while depriving the country of resources needed for national development.
Professor Yilwatda urged Nigerians to remain supportive of the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, expressing confidence that the current economic challenges would eventually give way to sustainable growth, fiscal stability and shared prosperity.
He said bold leadership requires the courage to make difficult but necessary decisions, adding that President Tinubu had demonstrated the political will to implement reforms that previous administrations had acknowledged but failed to execute.
The APC Chairman also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the administration’s most impactful social intervention programmes, stating that it has expanded access to tertiary education by providing financial support to millions of students irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
He further noted that the reforms had strengthened fiscal discipline and increased statutory allocations to states, enabling sub-national governments to meet salary obligations, execute infrastructure projects and improve service delivery.
While acknowledging the temporary hardship associated with the reforms, Professor Yilwatda appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and united, stressing that enduring national transformation requires sacrifice, resilience and collective commitment.
The event also featured the recognition of two officials in the Office of the APC National Chairman for their contributions to public service. Comrade Jubrin Bancir, Personal Private Secretary to the National Chairman, received the Most Outstanding Personal Private Secretary in Nigerian Politics Award, while Caroline Omeashem, Secretary in the Office of the National Chairman, was honoured with the Most Outstanding Award in Confidentiality and Professional Service. The organisers said the awards recognised their professionalism, dedication and commitment to efficient public service.
Earlier, the Convener of the awards, Hon. Uko Miracle, commended the administration of President Tinubu and the APC leadership for what he described as significant achievements since assuming office. He disclosed that his organisation documented the administration’s performance through engagements with Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the country, culminating in the publication of a magazine highlighting the government’s accomplishments.
Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajia Fatima Abbas praised the organisers for promoting excellence in public service and commended the Renewed Hope Agenda for its developmental initiatives. She also lauded the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her efforts in empowering women and supporting small and medium-scale enterprises, describing women’s economic empowerment as vital to sustainable national development.
