Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has come under intense public criticism following comments she made about supporting small-scale businesses like street vending to help citizens cope with current economic challenges.
After a meeting in Abuja, the First Lady while speaking to journalists, stated that her office provides modest grants to support ventures such as selling akara (bean cakes), roasted corn, and kuli-kuli (peanut snacks). She framed these as practical ways to bring hope to Nigerians amid the prevailing economic difficulties.
She also highlighted some of the administration’s broader interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including N2 billion allocated for tuberculosis control and N1 billion for breast cancer treatment.
The comments triggered widespread backlash, particularly from young, educated Nigerians who viewed the suggestion as tone-deaf.
Many took to social media to express frustration, arguing that graduates and professionals should not be encouraged to resort to street vending instead of being supported to secure proper jobs or start scalable businesses.
Critics accused the First Lady of downplaying the severity of unemployment and economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians. Some comments described the advice as insensitive and disconnected from the realities of graduates struggling in the current economy.
However, some defenders of the First Lady pointed out that the informal economy remains a major employer in Nigeria. They argued that small-scale businesses like street vending can be highly profitable and currently sustain many families across the country.
The development has sparked a broader national conversation about economic policy, job creation, and the expectations placed on citizens during tough economic times.
As of now, there has been no official response from the First Lady’s office addressing the backlash.
This incident highlights the high level of public sensitivity around issues of poverty, unemployment, and economic survival in Nigeria today.
