Leadnaija
Controversial political commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has come to the defense of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, arguing that Nigerians today enjoy better living conditions than they did at the time of independence in 1960- LeadNaija Reports
In a detailed post shared on his social media handles, Omokri cited statistics from various sources to support his claims that under President Tinubu, Nigeria is making measurable progress in health, education, and economic reforms.
“Back in 1960, the average life expectancy in Nigeria was just 36 years,” Omokri wrote. “Today, under Tinubu, it is nearly double at 61.79 years according to Statista.”
Omokri also claimed that Nigeria’s infant mortality rate has dropped from 186 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1960 to 53.67 in 2025. He credited the Tinubu-led administration for continuing improvements in public health outcomes and for taking difficult but necessary decisions.
On education, he noted that the adult literacy rate in Nigeria was below 20% at independence. “Today, especially with the Student Loan Scheme, it stands at 59.57%,” he said, arguing that the country is witnessing sustained educational development.
In a direct rebuke of African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s recent comments that Nigerians are worse off now than in 1960, Omokri urged citizens to “take his criticism with a pinch of salt,” suggesting that Adesina’s political ambitions may have colored his remarks.
Omokri praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira. He noted that the national debt has been reduced from $108.2 billion to $94.2 billion and that foreign reserves have grown to $40.1 billion.
“The previous government was too afraid to implement these necessary reforms,” Omokri stated, adding that President Tinubu’s decisions are already yielding results, including a record trade surplus and a 70% drop in fuel importation.
He concluded by calling for national patience and support for Tinubu, urging Nigerians to “extend the right hand of fellowship to the president, now and until 2031, God sparing his life.” Continue..
While some of the figures Omokri cited have been challenged by analysts and independent fact-checkers for being optimistic or exaggerated, his statement underscores the growing debate about the real impact of Tinubu’s policies on everyday Nigerians.
