ADC Blames Tinubu’s Economic Policies for Nigeria’s 63% Poverty Rate

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Nigeria’s opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has sharply criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that the country’s reported 63 percent poverty rate reflects the failure of the administration’s economic policies following the removal of petrol subsidy. The party made this position known in a statement released on March 14, 2026, reacting to recent reports showing that a majority of Nigerians are now living below the poverty line.

According to the ADC, the true measure of any economic reform is whether it improves the living standards of ordinary citizens and protects the most vulnerable members of society. The party insisted that the worsening poverty figures demonstrate that current policies have not translated into economic relief for the majority of Nigerians, despite government claims that reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy.

The criticism centres largely on the removal of fuel subsidy and broader economic restructuring measures, which the opposition says have triggered rising inflation, higher transportation costs and increased hardship across the country.

ADC therefore urged the federal government to urgently review its economic strategy, warning that growing poverty and public frustration could further deepen Nigeria’s socio-economic crisis if immediate corrective measures are not implemented.