Government of  Bola Tinubu has dismissed recent international critiques, emphasising that deep-rooted national problems cannot be resolved within just two years.

In a fiery response to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recent assessment, the presidency labelled the IMF’s stance as “very fatalistic” and counterproductive to Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, criticised the IMF for what he described as relentless and unfair criticism that jeopardises Nigeria’s reform trajectory.

“Our administration has implemented some of the most significant reforms Nigeria has seen in recent years,” Fasua stated. “We recently signed into law tax bills that provide relief to low-income earners and double the tax threshold for small businesses. Yet, we are just beginning to see the impact of these measures, and already, we are met with alarmist statements from various quarters, including the IMF.”

The IMF recently published an article titled “How Nigeria Can Unleash Its Economic Potential,” raising concerns over soaring inflation and the sluggish effects of government reforms. Fasua dismissed these warnings as part of a pattern of undue criticism from the Bretton Woods institution.

He accused the IMF of bombarding Nigeria with frequent statements that often contradict each other, creating confusion and unease among the public.

“Almost every week or every few days, there’s a new statement on Nigeria. This kind of constant heckling leaves everyone bewildered,” Fasua lamented.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s progress in managing its debts, noting that the country has already repaid $3 billion of its loans to the IMF—funds that many other nations have yet to settle—yet the pressure from the IMF persists.

“We’re not asking for accolades. All we want is a breather—to be able to implement our policies without undue interference. While they acknowledge that our reforms are good, they continue to demand more, which creates a frustrating Catch-22,” Fasua explained.

The economic adviser warned that the IMF’s harsh tone could backfire, potentially turning the Nigerian public against their government, especially with prevailing economic hardships nationwide.

“Imagine building a house where the roof is gone, and we’re asked to deliver comfort within two years. That’s not realistic,” he said. “We need patience, trust, and space to rebuild—then we can truly unlock Nigeria’s economic potential.”