Peter Ameh Blasts Tinubu’s Economic Policies, Says Nigeria’s Economy ‘Wrecked’ in Just Two Years

 

Peter Ameh, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, accusing the president of dismantling the structural foundations of Nigeria’s economy within his first two years in office.

During a passionate interview on Arise News aired Friday night, Ameh—who once contested for the presidency—did not mince words. He described the current state of the Nigerian economy as a direct consequence of poorly planned, reactionary policies led by the Tinubu administration. Chief among his criticisms was the manner in which the controversial fuel subsidy was removed, a decision he deemed both insensitive and reckless.

Fuel prices, which stood at ₦197 per litre at the start of Tinubu’s tenure, have skyrocketed to approximately ₦1,000 per litre today. This, Ameh said, was the result of an abrupt policy change that lacked foresight, planning, or mechanisms to cushion the impact on millions of struggling Nigerians.

“You don’t just wake up and remove a subsidy that touches every aspect of the citizens’ lives without a structured mitigation plan,” he argued. “You need a well-thought-out process and a clear policy direction. None of that was in place when this decision was made.”

He questioned whether members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) truly understood the level of hardship faced by the masses. According to him, their continued defense of government policies suggests either a disconnection from reality or a deliberate act of denial.

“There are only two possibilities,” Ameh said. “Either they live in an alternate universe or they are too afraid to acknowledge the truth: that the policies of this administration have intensified the suffering of the average Nigerian.”

Transportation costs, which have surged alongside fuel prices, were another issue he highlighted. Ameh explained that the increase in transportation costs has created a ripple effect across the economy, raising the price of goods and services and pushing even more Nigerians into financial desperation.

Beyond fuel subsidy removal, Ameh took aim at the administration’s broader economic agenda. He cited the President’s promises—such as tilling 500,000 hectares of land across the country—as mere lip service. “None of these pledges have been fulfilled,” he stated. “What we have seen instead is a string of vague declarations and no tangible implementation.”

The lack of a clear economic roadmap has, according to him, led to widespread disillusionment and disappointment. He criticized the APC-led government for operating on what he called “the whims and caprices” of presidential pronouncements rather than any coherent strategy or policy framework.

“It feels like governance by impulse,” he said. “Every time the President makes a public statement, we’re expected to treat it as a new direction. But these directions never materialize into real programs that can change people’s lives.”

He expressed concern that the economic downturn, if left unaddressed, could erode public trust in government institutions and worsen social instability. Ameh called on the administration to stop making ad hoc decisions and instead focus on implementing detailed, people-centered economic policies that can bring tangible benefits to citizens.

His remarks reflect a growing sentiment among critics and economic observers who believe that the Tinubu administration has failed to stabilize the economy or alleviate poverty. Several recent surveys and economic reports have documented rising inflation, a weakening naira, and increasing levels of unemployment, particularly among young Nigerians.

While Ameh refrained from delving into statistical analysis, he emphasized that lived experiences are far more telling than any government-released figures. “I don’t need to quote statistics that don’t mirror the real-life experiences of Nigerians,” he said. “You just need to walk down any street to see the suffering.”

As Nigeria navigates the mid-point of Tinubu’s presidency, critics like Peter Ameh are urging for a change in direction. Whether or not the administration will heed these calls remains uncertain, but the urgency in Ameh’s tone reflects a broader public demand for policies that prioritize the needs of ordinary Nigerians over abstract economic theories or elite interests.