Abia State Governor Alex Otti, the sole Labour Party governor in Nigeria, has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s contentious economic policies, including fuel subsidy removal and naira floating, while asserting it is “too early” to evaluate the administration’s overall performance.
In an interview with Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni, Otti acknowledged the necessity of the reforms but declined to rate Tinubu’s economic stewardship 23 months into his tenure. “Subsidy removal was long overdue. What was happening was that big men like you and I were the ones benefiting,” Otti stated, defending the policy shifts. He attributed current economic strains—including Nigeria’s 24.23% inflation and 27.50% interest rate (March 2025)—to structural deficiencies, particularly low productivity and export reliance on crude oil.
“Inflation and interest rates will keep chasing each other no matter how much you rebase,” Otti remarked, urging patience. “If reforms are sustained, the economy will rebound. Sacrifices must be made now to avert a collapse.”
While praising Tinubu’s “bold steps,” Otti emphasized the need to foster a productive, export-driven economy.
