Reuben Abati Explains Why Okonjo-Iweala Praised Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

Veteran journalist and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, has explained why Nigerians should not have expected World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to make a different statement about the country’s economy during her recent visit to President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, Abati said Okonjo-Iweala’s remarks simply echoed the positions of the IMF, World Bank, and other global institutions, consistent with her role as an international diplomat.

On Thursday, Okonjo-Iweala praised Tinubu’s reform efforts, saying they were progressing as planned. She spoke after a courtesy call at the State House, where she was also in Nigeria to launch a $50 million fund to promote women’s participation in the digital economy.

Abati noted that such praise was expected, explaining:
“No one should expect that she will go to the President of Nigeria and tell him anything otherwise as an international diplomat. She simply echoed IMF and World Bank views, reforms are important, but growth and social safety nets are critical.”

Abati emphasized that both the IMF and World Bank had also urged Nigeria to implement social protection measures alongside reforms. He said Okonjo-Iweala’s message was clear, stabilizing the economy is not enough without driving real growth.

He questioned whether Nigeria has the productivity levels required to achieve significant growth:

• The economy remains heavily dependent on oil.

• Current growth rates of 3–3.5% are insufficient.

• Past periods of near double-digit growth should be the benchmark.

Abati stressed that economic statistics often differ from the lived experiences of Nigerians.

“There are people groaning daily under these reforms. The last common denominator is what the ordinary man feels, how he survives. We want a country where everyone is prosperous and safe, not just numbers on a report,”he said.

He concluded that while international praise for reforms may boost investor confidence, Nigeria’s government must adopt new ideas to achieve sustainable, inclusive growth that benefits all citizens.