Tope Fasua Says Conditions for Poor Nigerians Are Improving

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, says living conditions for many poor Nigerians are improving, arguing that stronger local governments are key to reducing poverty.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Tope Fasua said the fight against poverty depends largely on local government autonomy, which he described as a major priority of the Tinubu administration. According to him, increased funding to states and local governments has strengthened their ability to meet financial obligations and support vulnerable citizens.

Fasua stated, “The solution to poverty, really, that I was talking about is actually at the local government level, and that’s the reason why the president has advocated for local government autonomy and has also ensured that the states are a lot more powerful now in terms of the funding that they’re getting. And I mentioned to you the fact that, you know, those days when civil servants would be owed 18 months, 12 months, six months, it’s gone.”

He added that pension payments have also improved and maintained that these developments have had a positive effect on the country’s poorest residents. He said, “So I’m saying that, look, I can tell you, I can tell you that, honestly, for the very poor people in this country, the situation is getting better and perhaps better than it used to be, honestly.”

Discussing long-term solutions, Tope Fasua pointed to China’s Poverty Eradication Programme, saying detailed records of every household would help Nigeria tackle poverty more effectively. He argued that only state and local governments could successfully carry out such an exercise.

Fasua also expressed confidence that increased funding to sub-national governments would strengthen support for the administration ahead of the 2027 general election. He concluded by saying he had no doubt that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would secure another term in office.

Do you think greater local government autonomy can significantly reduce poverty in Nigeria?