Special adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has explained that the persistent economic difficulties faced by Nigerians are largely due to the nation’s huge population and the gradual pace of growth. In an interview on Arise TV, Bwala noted that while reforms are underway, their full benefits will not be felt immediately.
According to Bwala, the country’s population of over 230 million outstrips available resources, meaning that even with increased revenue, the impact on citizens is diluted. He described the reform process as slow but steady, emphasizing that the government takes pride in consistent progress rather than rapid change.
Bwala pointed to increased allocations to state governments as evidence of policy effectiveness, arguing that these funds are being used to implement initiatives that address hunger and improve livelihoods. He cited examples such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has benefited over one million students, the compressed natural gas transport scheme, and healthcare subsidies for procedures like cesarean sections and dialysis.
When pressed about corruption, Bwala maintained that several states are already showing tangible results, particularly in agriculture and food security. He acknowledged that concerns about the slow pace of change are valid but insisted that reforms require time to translate into visible improvements in daily life.