President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, has stirred controversy after justifying the value of the naira by claiming that $1—currently over ₦1,500—can still buy a meal in Nigeria, unlike in the U.S.
Speaking on Arise TV, Fasua insisted that despite Nigeria’s widespread poverty, ₦1,500 remains significant to many Nigerians and could provide sustenance in parts of the country. He cited a personal experience at a Lekki restaurant, stating that a decent meal cost just ₦2,500—seemingly attempting to downplay economic hardship in one of Nigeria’s most expensive neighborhoods.
Critics slammed Fasua’s remarks as tone-deaf and disconnected from the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. While Fasua maintained that he wasn’t mocking the poor, his statements ignited backlash for appearing to normalize economic inequality and the depreciating naira.
“If you gave a security guard ₦1,000, he would appreciate it and afford a meal,” he said, sparking online outrage over the casual framing of deep-rooted poverty.
Fasua later argued that his comments were “empirically correct” and called on both the government and private sector to address rising inequality post-COVID. However, many Nigerians are demanding more accountability than statistics and anecdotes from expensive eateries.
His remarks come amid record inflation, skyrocketing food prices, and a currency crisis—raising questions about how in-touch top government advisers are with the lived realities of the masses.
