Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has heaped praise on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing Nigeria’s current trajectory as similar to that of Vietnam’s economic rise.
Omokri, who was once a vocal critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future under Tinubu. He cited significant improvements in security, trade, and economic reforms. Omokri made these comments after a meeting with President Tinubu at Aso Rock Villa, where he shared his thoughts on the direction of the country.
The political activist and social commentator pointed to several key achievements of Tinubu’s administration that have brought about a positive change in Nigeria’s fortunes.
Omokri particularly praised the government’s efforts in the fight against insecurity, which has plagued Nigeria for years. He noted that Tinubu’s administration has made headway in curbing terrorism and banditry, especially in the North-West.
He cited the recent execution of notorious bandit leaders in that region as a sign of real progress.
“Nigeria is now witnessing significant improvement in security. The reduction of Nigeria’s terrorism index from 8% a few years ago to less than 7% today shows that the government’s actions are making a difference,” Omokri stated.
For many years, insecurity has been a major problem in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East and North-West, where Boko Haram insurgency and banditry have taken thousands of lives. Omokri praised the government’s efforts in deploying security forces more effectively to combat these threats.
Omokri also lauded Tinubu’s economic reforms, especially in the area of trade. He highlighted Nigeria’s trade surplus of ₦14 trillion in the first and second quarters of 2024, calling it a remarkable achievement.
“For the first time in a long while, Nigeria is exporting more than it is importing. This has given us a trade surplus, which is a direct result of the government’s policies, particularly regarding national security and the management of our borders,” Omokri said.
A trade surplus occurs when a country’s exports exceed its imports. This surplus helps boost a nation’s economy by increasing foreign reserves, reducing dependency on foreign goods, and stabilizing the national currency. Nigeria’s trade surplus for two consecutive quarters in 2024 is a rare occurrence and signals a shift in the country’s economic outlook.
Omokri attributed this surplus to improved security, which has allowed for better control of the country’s borders, reducing illegal smuggling and increasing legitimate exports. He explained that these steps were crucial to reviving the nation’s economy and enhancing trade.
Another major reform hailed by Omokri was the removal of fuel subsidies, which had been a hotly debated issue for decades in Nigeria. According to Omokri, the decision to stop fuel subsidies was a courageous one that many past administrations had avoided out of fear of public backlash.
“For years, we’ve been borrowing to sustain the fuel subsidy. Previous governments didn’t have the courage to do what Tinubu has done. This administration has taken bold steps to remove the subsidy, which will save us from borrowing and prevent future generations from paying for it,” Omokri stated.
The removal of the fuel subsidy has been a contentious issue in Nigeria. While some view it as a necessary economic reform, others argue that it has led to a sharp rise in the cost of living, with fuel prices skyrocketing. Nonetheless, Omokri believes that this move is vital for the country’s long-term economic stability.
In perhaps his most striking comment, Omokri compared Nigeria’s current economic situation to that of Vietnam, a country that has experienced rapid economic growth over the last few decades after emerging from years of war and economic isolation.
“Right now, we are like Vietnam. Our currency is stabilizing, and we are producing more goods locally. In time, this will affect the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians in a positive way. It will take patience, but the results will come,” Omokri said.
Vietnam is often cited as a success story in terms of economic transformation. After the Vietnam War, the country adopted economic reforms that transformed it from one of the world’s poorest nations to a middle-income country with a thriving manufacturing sector. Omokri’s comparison suggests that he believes Nigeria is on a similar path under Tinubu’s leadership.
Despite the challenges still facing Nigeria, Omokri urged Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu administration. He acknowledged that some of the reforms would take time to yield visible results, but he expressed confidence that the country is moving in the right direction.
“Nigerians must be patient. The changes we need won’t happen overnight, but they will happen. What this government is doing now will stabilize our economy, improve security, and bring about real development in the long run,” he emphasized.
Omokri’s remarks come at a time when many Nigerians are facing hardship due to rising inflation, high fuel costs, and the aftereffects of subsidy removal. However, his optimism paints a hopeful picture of Nigeria’s future, insisting that the government’s reforms will eventually lead to better living conditions for all.
Under Tinubu’s administration, several key economic reforms have been introduced to address Nigeria’s long-standing financial challenges. Besides the removal of the fuel subsidy, the government has also implemented policies aimed at improving fiscal discipline, reducing corruption, and encouraging local manufacturing.
One of the most talked-about reforms is the push for increased local production to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imports. Omokri echoed the government’s call for Nigerians to support these initiatives, as they will ultimately lead to job creation and economic growth.
“Manufacturing more goods locally means more jobs for Nigerians and a stronger economy. These are the steps needed to ensure that we become self-reliant as a nation,” Omokri explained.
Omokri, who once served under the PDP administration of Goodluck Jonathan, has become a notable supporter of some of Tinubu’s policies. In his recent statements, he urged Nigerians to put aside party differences and support the government’s efforts to improve the country.
“Politics should not stop us from supporting good policies. Whether you are PDP or APC, we all want Nigeria to succeed. This government is making bold moves, and it’s time to support them,” Omokri stated.
