By Ahmed Ahmed
A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Alhaji Sani Al-Amin, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive financial restructuring reforms that have cleared Nigeria’s long-standing International Monetary Fund (IMF) legacy debt.
Al-Amin made the commendation in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Bauchi.
He described it as a “historic and bold” step in clearing Nigeria’s long-standing International Monetary Fund (IMF) legacy debt through a sweeping financial restructuring reform.
The APC chieftain, who also served as Deputy Director in the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council, noted that Nigeria’s association with IMF loans and conditionalities had over the years hindered the country’s economic sovereignty and inflicted serious hardship on the Nigerian people.
“The IMF policies have been nothing short of economic monsters creating cycles of dependency, austerity, and pain for the common man.
“For years, these debts have constrained our economic freedom and exposed us to externally dictated financial discipline, often at the expense of our own developmental priorities,” he said.
He praised President Tinubu’s decision to clear the IMF debt as a strong signal of Nigeria’s intent to reclaim full control over its fiscal policies and long-term development agenda.
While applauding the federal government’s effort, Al-Amin urged the administration to follow up with further people-oriented reforms.
He specifically recommended a downward review of the current pump price of petroleum, proposing it be pegged at N350 per litre to alleviate transportation and production costs nationwide.
“The removal of fuel subsidies has had ripple effects on inflation and cost of living.
“A review of the petrol price to a more manageable level would bring immediate relief to millions of Nigerians,” he said.
The APC stalwart called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s tax policies, which he believes are overly burdensome for small businesses and low-income earners.
He said tax reforms are essential for boosting productivity and encouraging entrepreneurship in an economy still recovering from the effects of global disruptions and domestic reforms.
“It is not enough to clear external debts; we must ensure that local policies do not become internal burdens.
“The President has taken a great step forward, but the people also need direct, tangible relief.”he emphasised.
Al-Amin concluded by reaffirming his support for the Tinubu administration, urging Nigerians to remain hopeful and patient as the government works towards building a more resilient and inclusive economy
