Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has publicly challenged the prevailing optimism surrounding Nigeria’s economic reforms, warning that millions of citizens have yet to feel any meaningful improvement in their daily lives despite positive macroeconomic indicators.
The former Abia State governor made the remarks on Monday in Sokoto after commissioning a road project executed by Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration in the Arkilla New Layout area. His comments come amid growing debate over whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms are translating into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians.
While acknowledging improvements in the broader economy, Kalu argued that worsening insecurity and economic hardship have prevented many citizens from experiencing the gains being highlighted by government officials.
The senator disclosed that he had personally conveyed his concerns to President Tinubu, drawing attention to what he described as the widening gap between encouraging economic statistics and the realities facing households and small businesses across the country.
“Things might look difficult today. Yes, as you can see, I am an industrialist. The macroeconomy is performing well, but the microeconomy is not. I told the President this,” he stated.
Kalu insisted that security remains the missing link in Nigeria’s economic recovery efforts, arguing that no reform programme can succeed when investors, businesses and communities continue to grapple with instability and violence.
“What this country needs is economic expansion so that there can be money, prosperity and goodness for Nigerians. This is what the country needs,” he said.
Despite his criticism, Kalu commended Tinubu for pursuing policies aimed at expanding the economy. However, he maintained that the reforms would continue to attract scrutiny until their benefits become visible at the grassroots level.
He expressed confidence that greater investment in security would help unlock economic opportunities, boost prosperity and ensure that the gains of reform are felt beyond official economic reports.
Kalu also used the occasion to renew his call for national unity.
“Nigeria is one, and I will continue to pray and plead for the unity of this country until I die,” he said.
The senator further praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his infrastructure drive in Sokoto State and thanked him for the invitation to commission the road projects.
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