Aliyu Audu, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs, has called for patience from Nigerians regarding the nation’s development trajectory. Drawing parallels with countries like India and Singapore, Audu emphasized that significant national progress requires time and collective effort.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Beam on June 2, 2025, Audu stated:
“It took an average of 35 years for Singapore, 50 years for India… But we are Nigerians, we are different. It doesn’t have to take that long.”
He acknowledged past governance shortcomings but stressed the importance of unity and shared responsibility in nation-building. Audu highlighted recent initiatives by the Tinubu administration, such as the Nigerian Credit Guarantee Scheme with a ₦100 billion startup fund, aimed at enhancing citizens’ purchasing power and stimulating economic activity.
Addressing concerns about inflation and the cost of living, Audu noted that improving citizens’ purchasing power and creating jobs are pivotal to alleviating economic hardships. He also underscored the need to tackle corruption, stating that eliminating corrupt practices would free up resources for job creation and economic development.
Public reactions to Audu’s remarks have been mixed. Some citizens expressed skepticism, questioning the comparison to other nations and emphasizing the urgency of addressing current economic challenges. Others acknowledged the complexities of national development but urged the government to match words with tangible actions.
