President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, has responded to criticism over his recent comments about the value of the naira and poverty in Nigeria.
He had earlier said that even though the naira is weak against the dollar, people can still buy food with N1,500, which is around one dollar, unlike in the US.
In a new interview on Arise TV, Fasua explained that he wasn’t denying the existence of poverty.
Instead, he meant that despite the economic situation, some people can still find meals for N1,500 in different parts of Nigeria.
He said people from Lagos to Maiduguri confirmed this with videos showing meals bought at that price.
He also shared a personal example, saying he recently ate at a restaurant in Lekki, Lagos, where a meal cost N2,500.
He added that this shows food is still accessible in some areas, even expensive ones like Lekki.
Fasua said his comments were not meant to mock the poor, but to highlight how serious the poverty issue is, especially for those living on minimum wage.
He stressed that N1,500 is still a lot of money to many Nigerians, and giving someone even N1,000 can make a difference in their day.
He called on both the private and public sectors to address the rising inequality in the country.
He also mentioned that the economic effects of COVID-19 are still being felt and may take decades to recover from.
Lastly, he warned that global leadership decisions, like those of former US President Trump, could further affect economic recovery worldwide.
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