Presidency defends Tinubu policies, claims poor Nigerians benefit most

Presidential aide Daniel Bwala says poor Nigerians are the primary beneficiaries of President Bola Tinubu's policies, pushing back against widespread public frustration over rising living costs.

Speaking on Arise TV's 'Prime Time' Tuesday, Bwala—Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication—cited three programs as proof: over 1 million beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) targeting students who couldn't otherwise afford education, the CNG transportation initiative that he says commuters want expanded, and a 50% subsidy on dialysis treatment.

"Most of the rich are abroad. So every policy introduced by this government, the direct beneficiaries are the poor," Bwala said.

These claims come amid sustained public anger over inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and naira devaluation that have driven up food and transport costs since Tinubu took office. The presidency's narrative clashes with opposition voices like Dino Melaye, who recently argued Nigerians "can't afford Tinubu's second term," and Atiku Abubakar, who has criticized the administration's handling of insecurity.

These are government assertions, not independently verified outcomes. NELFUND's actual disbursement figures and the CNG initiative's reach remain subjects of ongoing public debate.

With inflation still squeezing households across the country, do you feel any direct benefit from these programs in your daily life, or does this narrative feel disconnected from your reality?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/03/poor-nigerians-benefiting-from-tinubus-policies-presidency/