Abuja, Nigeria — November 15, 2025
A growing number of economic analysts have disputed the Federal Government’s (FG) positive assessment of Nigeria’s recent economic performance, arguing that official reports overstate growth and underplay persistent challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits.
The FG has highlighted indicators such as rising GDP figures, increased foreign investment, and improved fiscal revenues as evidence of economic recovery. However, experts from CBN, economic think tanks, and private sector analysts contend that these numbers do not reflect everyday realities for Nigerian households, particularly in the informal sector and rural communities.
Professor Adebayo Olumide, an economist at the University of Lagos, remarked:
“Official GDP growth is encouraging on paper, but it does not capture the continuing pressure on the cost of living, fuel scarcity, and the widening gap between urban and rural incomes.”
Other analysts point to persistent inflation, which remains above 20% in key food items, as a major drag on real economic progress. While government officials have argued that policy reforms and infrastructure projects will yield long-term benefits, critics say the pace of implementation and systemic inefficiencies have limited tangible impact so far.
Observers warn that a disconnect between official statistics and citizens’ lived experiences could fuel public discontent, highlighting the need for more transparent data and inclusive economic planning.
Sources
The Guardian Nigeria — analysis of GDP figures and inflation trends
BusinessDay Nigeria — expert commentary on fiscal performance
Vanguard — interviews with economic professors and private sector analysts
Punch Newspaper — data on household income and cost of living
CBN Reports — monetary policy and economic review
