BREAKING: Outrage as as Tinubu’s Aide Insists “$1 Can Buy a Meal in Nigeria, Unlike in US”

Dr Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser on Economic Affairs to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has defended the value of the naira locally despite its weakness against the dollar.

He noted that $1, equivalent to over N1,500, can still buy a meal in Nigeria.

Fasua, spoke when he appeared as a guest on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye on Saturday, April 5.

The presidential aide also clarified misconceptions about “multi-dimensional poverty,” explaining that it includes access to services like education and healthcare, not just income or food scarcity.

Speaking further, he argued that while the naira may appear weak when compared to the dollar, its purchasing power remains strong in local contexts.

“$1 is N1,500 – it’s a lot of money for many people in Nigeria. $10 won’t buy you lunch anywhere in the US, sometimes you need at least $20, that is N30,000 in Nigeria,” Fasua stated.

As reported by The Punch on Monday, April 7, Fasua, offering examples from everyday life, added:

“I will tell you what you can do with $5 – that is N7,500 – if you are not going to eat in some highbrow places. In Gwarinpa, there are some people that sell Boli and fish and you will eat for N1,500. If you know where you are coming from.”

Nigerians react as Tinubu’s aide speaks on buying a meal with one dollar

Legit.ng compiled a few reactions from the comment section on YouTube below;

@sindialbert7628 said:

“Who told you 10$ can’t buy lunch ?Na Wao for our former contestant.Make we dey speak truth to power o.”

@magnusizedomwen8973 stated:

“Tope Fasua was the most critic of Jonathan Goodluck.”

@thegeniuschannel3468 wrote:

“Opposition obviously isn’t the voice of the people but we need opposition.

“Tinubu must not kill opposition.”

@DanielIdoko-xp7zk said:

“Dr Fasua talk about More money going to the state governments but it’s not reflecting in the standard of life of the people.”

Watch Fasua’s full interview below;