Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized recent remarks made by World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in which she commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. George described her comments as disconnected from the lived realities of many Nigerians grappling with severe economic hardship.
Speaking during an interview on Nigeria Info’s “Let’s Talk” programme, George questioned the relevance of Okonjo-Iweala’s praise, arguing that such commendations do not reflect the daily struggles of citizens. “She resides in New York. That’s not the Nigeria we live in,” he said. “Let her come here and feel the pulse of the people. There’s real frustration on the ground.”
George labeled her endorsement of the administration’s policies—particularly subsidy removal and exchange rate unification—as “insensitive,” given the current high cost of living. “There’s hunger in the land. People are struggling just to get by. Now is the time for honesty, not praise-singing,” he said.
He also pointed out what he sees as a disconnection between economic theory and real-world impact. “Economists work in the social sciences. They can model reforms from afar, but they often miss the emotional and material toll those reforms take on everyday people,” he noted.
While Okonjo-Iweala had argued that the Tinubu administration was making “difficult but necessary” decisions to stabilize the economy in the long term, George and other critics believe that the short-term consequences have been too steep, particularly in the absence of adequate social safety nets.
“Nigerians aren’t looking for external validation,” George said. “What we need is fair and transparent governance that harnesses our resources to benefit all, not just the privileged few.”
George emphasized Nigeria’s vast natural wealth and expressed frustration that, despite the country's potential, many citizens are unable to afford food, transportation, or healthcare. “There’s no part of Nigeria without some natural endowment. But bad governance has kept people in poverty,” he said.
He further cautioned both domestic leaders and international observers against overlooking the severity of the current situation. “Nigerians don’t need applause from abroad. They need relief—real, tangible support to ease their suffering.”
Recent months have seen increased protests and public outcry over rising food prices, inflation, and insecurity. Labour unions and civil society organizations have also raised concerns about the growing economic strain and the risk of social unrest.
Analysts note a growing disconnect between government policies praised internationally and their impact on citizens' daily lives. While some reforms may offer long-term economic benefits, the immediate burden on ordinary Nigerians has left many disillusioned and frustrated.
George concluded with a pointed message: “Let those abroad continue with their commendations. Here in Nigeria, what the people want is a government that prioritizes their welfare, not one that seeks applause at their expense.”
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