Yilwatda admits impact of inflation, cost of living pains on Nigerians, urges resilience over Tinubu’s reforms

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has appealed to Nigerians that the economic reforms initiated by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration demands sacrifice, patience and resilience.

Yilwatda, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, however, assured Nigerians that the reforms would lead to the country’s expansive prosperity of tomorrow and years to come.

He argued that there were already clear and measurable indicators showing that the country was gradually returning to the path of sustainable growth, productivity and national renewal.

He also admitted the economic pains Nigerians are currently experiencing, especially in the areas of inflationary pressure and cost of living, assuring that the Federal Government had continued to respond through targeted interventions, infrastructure investments, support for local industries and strategic expansion of critical sectors of the economy.

The statement noted that Yilwatda, who spoke after the successful conduct of the primary election of the party into the House of Representatives across the country, also argued that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu was never designed as a short-term populist project, but a bold and strategic intervention aimed at correcting decades of structural distortions that weakened national productivity, discouraged investments and constrained economic competitiveness.

“Great nations are not built on easy choices or temporary comforts, but on courageous decisions that secure the future of generations yet unborn. The reforms being implemented today are laying the foundation for a more stable, productive and prosperous Nigeria,” he argued.

While emphasising that several economic indicators are already reflecting growing investor confidence and improving commercial activities across the country, Yilwatda cited the latest maritime sector performance report which revealed that Nigerian ports handled 1,092 ocean-going vessels in the first quarter of 2026.

He described it as a strong sign of increasing trade activities, expanding export operations and renewed confidence in the Nigerian economy.

“The development demonstrates that the administration’s investments in port infrastructure modernisation, logistics improvement, transport connectivity and export expansion policies are beginning to stimulate productive economic activities nationwide.

“The handling of over 1,092 ocean-going vessels within the first quarter of the year is not an isolated statistic. It reflects increasing commercial confidence, stronger maritime operations, rising export activities and renewed international economic engagement with Nigeria. This is a direct outcome of strategic reforms and infrastructure investments being undertaken by the Federal Government,” he stated.

Yilwatda pointed at the recent improvement in Nigeria’s crude oil production, which according to him, now reached about 99.2 percent of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota, as evidence of enhanced security coordination and improved operational efficiency within the oil and gas sector.

He added that the commissioning of new 330kV transmission lines in Edo State and the addition of 600MW to the national grid represent concrete efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen power infrastructure, support industrial growth and improve electricity supply across the country.

The APC national chairman also referenced growing interests by investors and local manufacturers in sectors such as automobile spare parts, industrial production and energy infrastructure as signs that the economy is gradually repositioning itself for long-term competitiveness and self-reliance.

He assured Nigerians that the APC-led administration remains committed to responsible governance, economic stability, job creation and national development.

He urged citizens not to lose faith in the country’s future, stressing that the difficult but necessary reforms currently being implemented would ultimately create a more resilient economy capable of delivering opportunities, prosperity and improved living standards for all Nigerians.

“Nigeria is passing through a period of economic rebuilding. While the journey may be challenging, the signs of recovery and national renewal are becoming increasingly visible. The APC administration under President Bola Tinubu remains focused, determined and committed to building a stronger and more prosperous nation for both present and future generations,” he said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the APC to supporting policies and initiatives that deepen economic reforms, encourage investments, expand infrastructure and promote inclusive national growth.