N10,000 feeding satement based on rural context – Tinubu’s aide

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, has clarified his controversial statement suggesting that N10,000 could feed a family for several days.

Fasua said he actually referred to “a person” and not a family.

He made the clarification in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, following criticism over a viral clip from his interaction with Kay’s Hikers Club in Abuja on May 5, 2026.

The presidential aide said the remark was made in the context of rural Nigeria and was immediately corrected during the session.

“My attention has been drawn to the viral two-second clip of my interaction with Kay’s Hikers Club held on May 5, 2026, at The Destination, Abuja, wherein I stated that N10,000 is enough to ‘feed a modest family for several days’.

“There is a need to clarify that I meant to say ‘person’, and not ‘family’, and we were speaking at that point in the context of rural Nigeria.

“I immediately clarified my statement right there and then and emphasised to the audience the need for serious personal financial management in the context of global hardships,” he said.

Fasua said the engagement with the group, made up mostly of young Nigerians, lasted over two hours and focused on the country’s economic reforms, taxation policies and opportunities within Nigeria despite prevailing economic challenges.

According to him, some participants were confrontational during the discussion, but he considered the outing necessary to encourage direct engagement between government officials and citizens.

“Still, I believe it was an important outing, such that should be encouraged between government appointees and citizens — especially Gen Zs,” he stated.

He added that discussions during the session touched on issues such as the challenges facing foreign retail chains and the growth of Nigerian-owned businesses.

“In fact, the first salvo of questions was around the issue of Shoprite’s challenges, when I promptly brought up the bustling alternatives like Ebeano, Sahad, JustRite, HyperCity, Bokku, Market Square and other Nigerian brands,” he said.

Fasua also criticised what he described as sensational reporting and selective use of clips on social media, saying comments made during lengthy discussions were often taken out of context.

“We live in a world where people judge by headlines. We also live in a world where the media cleverly maxes out their popularity with sensational headlines and where the selectivity of reportage can put people in awkward situations,” he said.

The presidential aide maintained that despite Nigeria’s challenges, young people should remain optimistic about the country rather than seeking opportunities abroad.

“I will continue to inform the youths of Nigeria that statistically, they are better off building their nation than running abroad to already developed nations where they are often faced with daunting challenges and hurdles,” Fasua added.