Nigerian Govt Responds to Emir of Kano's Comments on Tinubu Policies

The Nigerian Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has informed the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido, that it does not require his assistance with respect to economic reforms in the country.

On Wednesday, Sanusi, who was once the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, declared that he would not assist the government with Nigeria's ongoing economic difficulties.

He made this statement during his speech at the 21st anniversary of Fawehinmiism, coinciding with the 2025 Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture at the Lagos Airport Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos State.

Sanusi stated that his choice derives from the government's inability to act like friends, despite their connection. He also criticized the government for its absence of credible individuals capable of effectively conveying their policies.

In a press statement released by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, on Thursday, the government acknowledged the emir's right to express his opinion but expressed disappointment at his subtle condemnation of reforms he had previously supported.

He stated, “We don’t require Sanusi’s endorsement for the commendable policies of the FG.”

The government called on Sanusi to focus on the greater good of Nigerians and to make a constructive contribution instead of hindering the reforms.

The statement states: “First, we recognize that Sanusi, like any Nigerian, possesses the inalienable right to express an opinion—whether in the form of praise or criticism—regarding the management of government affairs. We find it amusing, however, that a leader—especially one from an institution that values forthrightness, fairness, and justice—would publicly acknowledge prioritizing personal interests based on imaginary antagonism over telling the truth.

“It is important to emphasize that Nigeria stands at a crucial crossroads where courageous and definitive measures are required to address deep-rooted economic difficulties. This administration has enacted transformative reforms not due to their ease, but because they are vital for ensuring Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as Emir Sanusi had consistently advocated.

The government cited Sanusi’s statement that the current difficulties faced by Nigerians are "a necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management" more than anything else.

The statement went on: “These reforms are already yielding measurable progress. With the unification of exchange rates, investor confidence has grown, leading to a rise in foreign reserves and an enhancement of Nigeria’s capacity to protect itself from external economic shocks.

“By abolishing the fuel subsidy, considerable resources have been liberated for enhanced investment in essential areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Respected institutions, including the World Bank, have projected an increase in Nigeria's GDP, indicating that our economy is solidly on the road to recovery.

“In addition, the country has tackled inefficiencies and lowered its debt service-to-revenue ratio, resulting in a more sustainable fiscal framework for future generations.