Opposition voices have challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Independence Day declaration that Nigeria has entered an “age of prosperity”, citing rising living costs and declining household purchasing power.

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, accused the Tinubu administration of worsening the cost-of-living crisis and failing to deliver the benefits of its economic reforms.

Atiku made the remarks in a State of the Nation address to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, saying millions of Nigerians were still struggling to afford basic necessities, including food, healthcare and transportation.

He also questioned the impact of the administration’s reforms, arguing that economic growth and falling inflation should translate into improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.