Daniel Bwala, special adviser to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on media and policy communication, said the administration’s economic reforms are unfolding gradually because of the country Daniel Bwala, special adviser to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on media and policy communication, has said the administration’s economic reforms are progressing but will take time to reach the country’s vast population. In an interview with ARISE News, he pointed to Nigeria’s size and infrastructure deficit as the main reasons reforms are not yet fully felt by citizens.
He explained that even with increased government revenue, resources remain insufficient to meet the needs of more than 230 million people. “The population is over 230 million. The resources we have, however—even with the increased revenue—are not enough to match the population and the deficit in terms of infrastructure. So, growth will inevitably be slow, but it will be slow, steady, and consistent,” Bwala said.
The presidential aide argued that reforms are already producing results through higher federal allocations to state governments. He said these funds have strengthened governance and supported development projects, creating ripple effects that benefit citizens across the country.
Bwala stressed that the administration’s policies are designed for long-term impact rather than quick fixes. He noted that the scale of Nigeria’s population means reforms cannot yield instant relief but will gradually reshape economic conditions in a sustainable way.
When asked whether some states have benefited more than others, Bwala declined to make comparisons, saying his role is to highlight federal initiatives rather than rank state performance. He maintained that reforms have had measurable nationwide impact.
“I am actually not here to start talking about state versus state because it would take away from my job description, which is to talk about what the federal government is doing, the concomitant effect of which is seen in the states,” he said, adding that the administration remains committed to steady progress despite the challenges.
