No Nigerian Leader Since 1960 Has Embarked on Comprehensive Structural Reforms Like Tinubu — Alake

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has declared that no civilian administration in Nigeria since independence in 1960 has undertaken structural reforms as comprehensive as those introduced by President Bola Tinubu.

Alake made the assertion on Tuesday in Abuja during the unveiling of the All Progressives Congress (APC) manifesto for the 2027 presidential election, titled From Reforms to Prosperity: 2027–2031.

The minister, who is also the spokesperson of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, challenged anyone who disagreed with his assessment to a public debate.

He argued that the Tinubu administration had introduced far-reaching changes across different sectors of the economy and areas of national life within its first three and a half years.

According to Alake, the reforms were necessary to confront longstanding economic problems that previous administrations had avoided because of their potential political consequences.

He identified the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market as major policy decisions taken by the current administration to address structural weaknesses in the economy.

On subsidy removal, Alake argued that the previous arrangement placed significant pressure on public finances and created opportunities for smuggling, over-invoicing and other alleged abuses.

He also criticised the former multiple exchange-rate system, claiming it enabled individuals with privileged access to government officials to obtain foreign exchange at official rates and resell it at higher prices without contributing to productive economic activities.

The minister maintained that President Tinubu proceeded with the reforms despite the political risks, insisting that the President prioritised the country’s long-term interests over personal political ambitions.

Alake also urged Nigerians to support policy continuity, warning that abandoning the reform programme midway could undermine the administration’s objectives.

The unveiling of the APC manifesto marks the party’s presentation of its policy direction ahead of the 2027 general election. The document outlines plans to move from economic stabilisation towards industrialisation, improved security, agricultural expansion and broader prosperity.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the manifesto should be treated as a commitment between the party and Nigerians, adding that the administration must be judged by its delivery and the extent to which citizens experience the benefits of its policies.

He acknowledged that the government’s economic decisions had placed pressure on households, saying the next phase must translate reforms into tangible improvements in living conditions.