Abuja, July 9, 2025
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, holding them responsible for Nigeria’s exclusion from recent high-level trade discussions held by the United States government with select African countries.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, the opposition party said the administration’s failure to stabilise Nigeria’s economy and ensure transparent governance has led to declining investor confidence and strained bilateral ties with global partners.
“The exclusion of Nigeria from crucial U.S.-Africa trade talks is a direct reflection of the current administration’s poor economic performance and failure to project Nigeria as a trustworthy trade ally,” the ADC stated.
The U.S. recently hosted key African nations to explore new trade frameworks and deepen bilateral commercial partnerships under its renewed Africa strategy. Nigeria, once regarded as a dominant economic force on the continent, was noticeably absent.
The ADC accused the Tinubu-led administration of squandering Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy through policies that have triggered inflation, weakened the naira, and driven up the cost of living. It further warned that the consequences of Nigeria’s absence from major international trade platforms could lead to a loss of critical investment opportunities and global influence.
“The President must take responsibility for this setback and urgently initiate measures to restore international confidence in Nigeria’s economy. Failure to act will further isolate the country from meaningful global partnerships,” the statement added.
As pressure mounts on the Federal Government to address Nigeria’s economic woes, the opposition insists that beyond reforms, there must be a clear commitment to inclusive growth, transparency, and credible leadership to regain the trust of global stakeholders.
