Abia Governor Backs Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Says It’s Too Early to Judge Administration

Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s key economic reforms but stated that it is still too early to assess the overall performance of his administration.

Otti, the only governor elected under the platform of the Labour Party (LP), made the remarks during an interview with Arise TV journalist, Rufai Oseni. A clip of the interview was shared on social media platform X.

While backing the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, Otti emphasized that both policies were necessary, though their simultaneous implementation intensified the economic strain.

“Subsidy removal was long overdue. What was happening was that big men like you and I were the ones enjoying fuel subsidies,” Otti said.
“Even the naira floating, I have spoken about it. It is just that the two policies happened at the same time.”

When asked if President Tinubu had performed well economically, Otti declined to offer a definitive judgment.

“This is one question I will not be able to answer,” he responded.
Pressed further, he explained, “Because I have access to him, and I can always discuss with him. Today, it’s just 23 months into the administration; it’s still early days. Did the economy start sinking today?”

Otti acknowledged the current economic challenges, including rising inflation and interest rates, but maintained that long-term recovery was possible if reforms are sustained.

“Over time, I believe that this economy will rebound if the current economic reforms are kept,” he said.
“It is very unfortunate, but some of the sacrifices must be made. If you don’t today, you will tomorrow, or the economy will go up in flames.”

He attributed issues with foreign exchange to low productivity and overdependence on crude oil exports, stating, “One of the problems with FX is because we are not producing and exporting much other than crude oil. What we are doing is creating an environment where productivity will happen.”

As of March 2025, Nigeria’s inflation rate stood at 24.23 percent, while the Central Bank’s benchmark interest rate was 27.50 percent.