Atiku faults Tinubu govt's defense of N154 trillion debt as Nigerians face hunger, insecurity
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration for glorifying 'reckless borrowing' while millions of Nigerians struggle with hunger, school withdrawals, and collapsing businesses under crushing hardship.
Nigeria's debt profile stands at N154 trillion according to the Debt Management Office, though the World Bank recently cancelled $717 million in power sector debt. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga countered concerns, claiming Nigeria hasn't over-borrowed like South Africa and Senegal.
Atiku described the presidency's response as 'a dangerous disconnect from grim realities,' noting that while citizens budget for ransom payments and face terrorist threats, officials celebrate debt figures as economic achievement. Food production has declined sharply as rural communities live under constant threat, leading to astronomical food prices and widespread malnutrition.
The former VP accused the administration of 'weaponizing propaganda' to distract from economic mismanagement, arguing responsible borrowing should expand productivity and create jobs—not fund consumption and wasteful government lifestyles. With citizens seeing no correlation between mounting debt and improved daily lives, Atiku questioned what Nigerians are actually benefiting from these loans.