A Spat Over Economy Comparisons: Tinubu's Aide vs Atiku's Aide
Political advisors of Tinubu and Atiku engaged in a heated debate over the comparison of Nigeria's economic status in the present era versus the 1960s, as expressed by Nigerian politician Adesina.
In recent times, the nation's economic state has been at the heart of a vibrant exchange between President Bola Tinubu's special advisor on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and Atiku Abubakar's special assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
AfDB's Adesina Slams Current Administration
According to our website, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, criticized the current administration's economic policies at an event. Adesina claimed that Nigerians are worse off and poorer in 2025 than they were in 1960, and warned that Nigeria's economy cannot grow with generators.
The Presidency Hits Back
In a statement, the Presidency likened Adesina's statement to that of Peter Obi and branded his claims as false and incorrect.
Shaibu Commends Adesina
Responding to the Presidency's attack on Adesina, Shaibu commended the former Minister of Agriculture under former President Goodluck Jonathan for stating the facts. He pointed out that Adjusting figures without considering the quality of life, institutional decay, and the squandering of potential that define Nigeria today only serves to mask decades of catastrophic leadership failures.
Onanuga Rather Counters with Praise for 1960 Nigeria
In response, Onanuga wrote: "You are simply pathetic, Phrank. Why are you guys not ready to accept facts and instead like gobbling falsehoods? No matter how you adjust the 1960 GDP figure, Nigeria today is much better than Nigeria in 1960."
Shaibu Doubles Down on Adesina's Assessment
Undeterred, Atiku's aide replied Tinubu's aide thus: "Mr Gadus, your response is a masterclass in intellectual laziness and wilful ignorance. It's pathetic, frankly, that you think parroting shallow comparisons passes for informed debate."
Economic Overview: 1960 vs. 2025
comparing the economic state of Nigeria in 1960 and 2025 involves analyzing various perspectives. In 1960, Nigeria's total GDP was around $4.2 billion with a population of 44.9 million, resulting in a GDP per capita of about $93. The economy was primarily agricultural with limited industrialization. Compared to today, the cost of living and basic needs were relatively simple and affordable for many, despite low per capita income.
In 2025, Nigeria's GDP is significantly larger, though per capita figures have seen fluctuations. Recent data suggests a GDP per capita of around $824 to $835. However, issues with infrastructure, political instability, and high population growth have eroded purchasing power, exacerbating poverty. Despite economic growth, concrete steps towards diversification and industrialization remain crucial.
The AfDB's Stance
The African Development Bank emphasizes the importance of economic diversification, industrialization, and structural reforms to improve living standards and address challenges like infrastructure deficits and reliance on oil exports. They support initiatives aimed at enhancing economic resilience and inclusivity in countries like Nigeria.
- Despite President Tinubu's special advisor, Bayo Onanuga, countering Adesina's criticism with praise for 1960 Nigeria, Atiku's aide, Phrank Shaibu, has doubled down on Adesina's assessment, labeling Onanuga's response as a "masterclass in intellectual laziness and wilful ignorance."
- The AfDB, with Akinwumi Adesina at its helm, has emphasized that for Nigeria's economic growth to be sustainable, there is a need for economic diversification, industrialization, and structural reforms to address challenges like infrastructure deficits and reliance on oil exports.
- In response to Adesina's criticism of the current administration's economic policies, the Presidency insisted that Adesina's claims were false and incorrect, comparing them to those of Peter Obi.
- Shaibu, in response to the Presidency's attack on Adesina, commended the former Minister of Agriculture for stating the facts, pointing out that adjusting figures without considering the quality of life, institutional decay, and the squandering of potential only serves to mask decades of catastrophic leadership failures in Nigeria.
