ABUJA, Nigeria — The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has challenged President Bola Tinubu to personally visit local communities and markets across Nigeria to assess the country’s economic and security conditions, arguing that direct engagement with ordinary citizens would provide a clearer picture of the realities many Nigerians face.
The opposition party said the president should move beyond official briefings and government reports by interacting directly with traders, artisans, farmers, transport operators and residents in different parts of the country. According to the APM, such visits would enable the president to independently verify claims that his administration’s economic reforms and security policies are improving the lives of citizens. The party maintained that many Nigerians continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, inflation and security concerns despite government assurances that conditions are improving.
In a statement issued by its leadership, the APM argued that local markets remain one of the best indicators of the country’s economic health because they reflect the daily experiences of consumers and business owners. The party said food prices and the cost of essential commodities remain high in many markets, placing significant pressure on households and reducing the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians. It added that many small business owners are also contending with increased operating costs, making it difficult to sustain their businesses despite government initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth.
The party further contended that communities affected by insecurity should also be included in any assessment of the administration’s performance. According to the APM, firsthand visits to rural communities and areas that have experienced attacks, kidnappings or other security challenges would provide the president with an opportunity to hear directly from victims and local leaders. The party said such engagements would also demonstrate the government’s commitment to understanding the challenges facing citizens while helping policymakers identify practical solutions based on the experiences of affected communities.
The challenge comes amid continued debate over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate reforms and other fiscal measures introduced since the president assumed office. Government officials have consistently defended the policies, arguing that they are necessary to stabilize the economy, attract investment and create a stronger foundation for long-term growth. The administration has also pointed to improvements in macroeconomic indicators and ongoing infrastructure projects as evidence that the reforms are beginning to produce positive results.
However, opposition parties and some civil society groups have argued that many Nigerians have yet to experience the benefits of those policies in their daily lives. They have continued to call for additional measures to cushion the effects of inflation, improve food security and strengthen safety nets for vulnerable households. The APM maintained that greater engagement between government officials and ordinary citizens would help bridge the gap between official assessments and public perception.
Political observers say the latest remarks reflect the growing exchange between the government and opposition parties as discussions over governance, economic performance and national security continue. With preparations for future political contests gradually taking shape, analysts expect debates over the effectiveness of the administration’s policies to remain a central issue in Nigeria’s political landscape. The presidency has repeatedly expressed confidence that its reforms will deliver lasting economic benefits, while opposition parties continue to demand greater accountability and measurable improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians.
