$1 cannot buy anything in US, but N2,000 can feed you at ‘mama put’ – Oshiomhole

Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole has defended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, saying Nigerians still enjoy a cheaper cost of living compared to the United States.

Oshiomhole made the claim on Thursday while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

He said while many Nigerians complain about hardship, N2,000 can still buy food at a local restaurant popularly known as ‘mama put’ in Nigeria, but $1 cannot buy anything in the United States.

“In Nigeria, N2,000 can get you something from mama put, but $1-something cannot buy you anything in the US,” Oshiomhole said.

According to him, the reforms introduced by Tinubu, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate, were painful but necessary to save the economy from collapse.

He argued that Tinubu represents a statesman who thinks of the next generation, while critics of the government think only of short-term gains.

Oshiomhole said before Tinubu came into office, Nigeria was spending a large part of its revenue to pay subsidy and service debts, leaving little for development.

The former Edo State governor added that the President took the hard decision to remove the subsidy on his first day in office to free money for infrastructure, education, health and the student loan scheme.

The lawmaker equally dismissed claims by opposition leaders that the reforms have made Nigerians poorer, saying the comparison with the US shows that the cost of living in Nigeria is still lower.

He reiterated that many Nigerians living abroad complain that they cannot survive in America with $1, yet they criticise the government at home for high prices.

He urged Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu, saying the benefits of the reforms will become clearer with time.