Presidency Mocks Atiku Over Economic Policy, Questions His Knowledge of Economics

The Presidency has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his economic policy views, questioning his knowledge of economics following his recent comments on Nigeria’s economy.

Bayo Onanuga, Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, made the remarks in a post on his verified X account. He challenged Atiku’s economic credentials and referred to his career before joining the Nigerian Customs Service.

According to Onanuga, Atiku’s only qualification before entering the service was as a sanitary inspector. He used the claim to question the former vice president’s understanding of economic matters.

“You know nothing about economics. Atiku Abubakar’s only qualification before joining the Nigerian Customs was as a sanitary inspector. You wonder what he knows about economics,” Onanuga wrote.

The comments followed Atiku’s recent criticism of the country’s economic situation and his position on economic policy. However, the report did not provide the specific statements by Atiku that prompted the presidential aide’s response.

The Presidency also defended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, maintaining that the administration’s policies were producing results. Onanuga’s response framed Atiku’s criticism as an attempt to distract Nigerians from the government’s economic agenda.

Atiku, a former vice president and a longstanding political figure, has remained a prominent critic of the Tinubu administration. The exchange highlights the continuing political disagreement over how Nigeria’s economy should be managed and whether the government’s current reforms are delivering the desired outcomes.

The latest remarks add to the political debate ahead of the 2027 general election, with economic management expected to remain a major issue for the administration and opposition parties.