Interior Minister, Tunji Ojo Blames Nigeria’s Hardships On Century Of Mismanagement

Interior Minister, Tunji Ojo Blames Nigeria’s Hardships On Century Of Mismanagement Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has attributed Nigeria’s current unprecedented difficulties to a century of mismanagement. Speaking in an interview on Channels TV on Sunday, Tunji-Ojo responded to questions about the prevailing hunger, unemployment, and poverty under President Bola Tinubu’s administration by pointing to decades of administrative failures.

“Building an economy is not an overnight task. It’s much easier to destroy than to construct. What we are witnessing today is the result of accumulated mismanagement over the past 100, 60, 40, 30, and even 20 years,” Tunji-Ojo stated.

He emphasized that the country is undergoing a critical restructuring process and urged for patience. “We believe Nigeria is undergoing a necessary surgical process. We ask for more time to address these issues,” Tunji-Ojo added, arguing that 11 months is insufficient to hold President Tinubu accountable for the current economic challenges, particularly citing the mismanagement of previous administrations.

The minister criticized past leaders for neglecting key issues such as the non-functional refineries and alleged improper financial practices. “For years, refineries were left to rot. There were even claims that the naira was being printed irresponsibly,” he said. “We inherited significant liabilities, including the central bank’s ‘ways and means’ which we have now addressed.”

In contrast, a recent Financial Times editorial critiqued Tinubu’s 15 months in office, suggesting that his “disjointed” policies have led to widespread suffering among millions of Nigerians.

Oshiobugie John writes in from Benin City