Nigeria Broke, Indebted, But I Will Make Nigerians Rich- Atiku

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar has stated that Nigeria is currently being draped in debt robes and that the economy is spiraling out of control.

Abubakar said the All Progressives Congress-led government has distorted the economy since 2015, adding that basic commodities are now beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.

The PDP standard bearer spoke on Tuesday at the presidential economic agenda forum of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

Abubakar added that the country’s economy is “bleak and our challenges daunting” , but that he enjoys making people rich and will make Nigerians rich again.

“No one should downplay the enormity of the tasks ahead. Indeed, I cannot think of a more daunting challenge than restoring confidence in the future of Nigeria as a dynamic economy and stable democracy,” he said.

“I have a good grasp of the challenges bedevilling Nigeria. I know the root causes of our problems. I know that many of these problems are self-inflicted and can be reversed if we are determined. And we are determined.

“I will not come unprepared. It is not in my character as a businessman or as a public officer to be caught off guard. My policy document contains the right policies that will be timely delivered.”

The former vice-president said Nigeria is “broke” and the economy is “crawling rather than growing”.

He said: “Per capita income, a measure of citizens’ well-being, has progressively fallen since 2015 because of declining output and a fast-growing population. Nigerians are worse off today than they were in 2015.

“The oil and gas sector, which is the economy’s lifeline has suffered decline in 19 out of 30 quarters since 2014. For many economic sectors and for the ordinary citizens it still feels as in a recession.

Speaking on his plans for the economy, Abubakar said he will pursue a “warm handshake policy for the private sector”.

“We will ensure we give a warm handshake to the private sector. They are important for any sector or economy to succeed,” he said.

“I enjoy making people rich. I feel fulfiled when I make opportunities for others”, he added.