Atiku criticizes Tinubu over CBN survey

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Nigeria — African Democratic Congress, has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu's economic policies following the release of the Nigeria — Central Bank of Nigeria's Household Expectations Survey. The survey showed low buying conditions and willingness to purchase motor vehicles, consumer durables, and property, indicating that Nigerian households are increasingly unable to afford these assets. Atiku also cited the SBM Jollof Index, which showed that the cost of ingredients for a pot of jollof rice for a family of five is now N29,578, consuming over 40% of the N70,000 minimum wage. He argued that the government's focus on headline macroeconomic indicators masks the deteriorating purchasing power of ordinary citizens. The Federal Government has defended its reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation, as necessary for long-term stability. Atiku warned that weak consumer demand could undermine economic growth and employment.