TSF Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Cites Infrastructure, Pension Gains

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying they seek to address longstanding structural weaknesses while creating opportunities for sustainable growth.

The group said Nigeria’s persistent challenges, including poverty, poor infrastructure, unreliable electricity and limited economic opportunities, require sustained policy action.

It made the remarks while reacting to Tinubu’s address at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, TSF said Nigerians should assess the administration through its policies and measurable results.

The group argued that the government faces two major responsibilities. These include resolving inherited economic problems and creating new opportunities for investment and enterprise.

TSF pointed to major road projects as evidence of the administration’s infrastructure drive. They include the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.

It also cited an October 2026 report by the Federal Ministry of Works. The ministry said the 47-kilometre first section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway had been completed. Work also continued on the approximately 55-kilometre second section.

According to the forum, better road networks will reduce transport costs, improve access to markets and support agricultural production.

On pension reforms, TSF highlighted the Federal Government’s reported payment of N758 billion in inherited pension liabilities. The National Pension Commission said the interventions benefited 957,045 Nigerians.

The group also welcomed the review of pensions for 2,116 retirees of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund. Their combined monthly benefits rose from N12.56 million to N159.95 million after remaining unchanged for 21 years.

The exercise also included the payment of N8.7 billion in outstanding arrears. TSF said the measures would help address long-standing obligations to retired workers and strengthen confidence in pension administration.

In the power sector, the forum cited the government’s N3.3 trillion framework to settle verified legacy debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025.

It said the Federal Government had reported settling N333.12 billion in verified debts owed to eight generation companies. The companies operate 17 power plants.

TSF said the phased payments could improve liquidity across the electricity value chain. They could also strengthen generation companies and gas suppliers while encouraging fresh investment.

However, the group stressed that improved electricity supply must remain the ultimate test of the initiative.

The forum also highlighted the establishment of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP). It described the scheme as an effort to expand access to responsible consumer financing.

Figures released by the corporation’s management in October 2026 showed that the programme had facilitated N53.5 billion in credit. More than 351,000 Nigerians had benefited through 37 participating financial institutions.

Women accounted for about 59 per cent of the beneficiaries. CREDICORP also set a target of reaching more than 500,000 people by the end of 2026 and two million in 2027.

TSF said responsible lending, backed by effective consumer protection, could help households acquire assets. It could also support local manufacturing and stimulate economic activity.

The group maintained that the reforms should be viewed together because they address inherited liabilities while creating opportunities for future growth.

It said the country could not build a sustainable economy while neglecting obligations inherited from previous administrations. Equally, settling old debts must go alongside investment in infrastructure and institutions.

TSF, however, acknowledged that rising living costs and pressure on household incomes remain major concerns.

It welcomed the Federal Government’s cost-of-living measures and the National Economic Council’s 90-day action plan. The group urged authorities to focus on implementation and transparent reporting.

It also called for measurable improvements in food affordability, transport costs, employment and household purchasing power.

The forum urged political actors to focus their arguments on practical solutions to the country’s economic problems. It said discussions should cover infrastructure financing, public debt management, social protection and poverty reduction.

According to TSF, political debate should rely on verifiable records, workable alternatives and measurable outcomes.

It added that Nigerians deserved an honest account of the challenges inherited by successive governments, the cost of tackling them and the progress achieved.

The group said the success of the reforms would ultimately depend on their impact on ordinary Nigerians, not merely the number of projects started or debts settled.

TSF maintained that addressing past economic weaknesses and creating new opportunities must go hand in hand with improving living standards.