Bwala Admits More Nigerians Fell Into Poverty After Tinubu’s Reforms

By George Omagbemi

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has acknowledged that more Nigerians fell into poverty following the economic reforms introduced by the administration, while insisting that the country has made significant progress since the measures began.

Bwala made the remarks on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, while defending the government’s economic policies.

The reforms include the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, measures that contributed to higher transportation, production and living costs after their implementation.

“More people went down to poverty, acknowledged,” Bwala said, arguing that the increase was linked to the economic restructuring undertaken by the government.

He maintained, however, that the hardship was an expected consequence of major economic reforms and said the administration had recorded “marked progress” since the measures were introduced.

Bwala’s comments come amid continuing debate over whether improvements in Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators have translated into better living conditions for households.

The World Bank said on October 8 that Nigeria’s economy is expected to grow by an average of 4.4 per cent annually through 2028, with poverty and inflation projected to decline if the government sustains its reforms and improves public-service delivery.

President Tinubu has also defended the reforms, arguing that they were necessary to address longstanding economic distortions and improve government finances.

Bwala said the administration’s focus is now shifting from the initial reform period towards economic prosperity and improved living conditions.

His acknowledgement nevertheless provides a notable admission from a senior presidential adviser that the government’s reforms had a significant short-term impact on poverty, even as the administration maintains that the longer-term economic gains will benefit Nigerians.