The Presidency has dismissed recent remarks by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing his claims of widespread hunger and comparisons of Nigeria’s economic situation to pre-revolutionary France and Russia as “grossly misleading.”

In a statement issued on Monday, September 15, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Atiku and his team were “out of touch” with the realities on the ground.

“Talk is cheap. Their latest statement demonstrates a disconnect from the authentic Nigerian reality, as recent data tells a different story,” Onanuga said.

Citing official figures, he noted that headline inflation had declined for the fifth consecutive month, according to the latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report. He also highlighted a record trade surplus, with non-oil exports now contributing nearly as much as crude oil to Nigeria’s trade balance at a ratio of 48:52 per cent.

Onanuga further revealed that Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves were “on the rise,” approaching $42 billion—up from $32 billion when President Tinubu assumed office. He stressed that the government had cleared over $7 billion in arrears, including $800 million owed to foreign airlines.

He added that under Tinubu, revenues to states had reached unprecedented levels, enabling prompt payment of salaries and gratuities while leaving surplus funds for capital and social projects.

“Nigeria is moving in the right direction,” Onanuga insisted, accusing Atiku and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of being “fixated on doomsday scenarios” despite bearing responsibility for many of today’s economic challenges.

“After just two years and five months in office, we are proud of the progress being made under President Tinubu’s leadership. Atiku and his allies may choose to ignore these gains, but Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes taking place across the nation,” he added.