The Federal Government has stated that it does not require the approval of the Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, to implement its economic policies and reforms, which it describes as "laudable and essential."
This response follows comments made by the Emir during the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos, where he declared his refusal to advise President Bola Tinubu’s administration on addressing the nation's economic challenges.
During his speech, the Emir shared his perspective on Nigeria’s current economic state, noting that the difficulties the country faces were foreseeable and could have been avoided. However, he stated his decision to withhold further commentary or advice.
“I could explain what we are going through and how it was predictable and avoidable, but I won’t,” Sanusi said. “I have chosen not to speak on the economy or reforms because if I do, it will help this government, and I don’t want to help them. They are my friends, but if they don’t act like friends, I won’t either.”
Sanusi also criticized the government for lacking credible representatives to explain its policies to Nigerians. He emphasized that while the challenges were the result of decades of mismanagement, some current measures were not being handled correctly.
“When I am ready to speak on the economy, I will,” he concluded.
In a statement titled “We Don’t Need Sanusi’s Stamp of Approval for Our Laudable Policies”, the Minister of Information and National Orientation expressed disappointment with the Emir’s remarks, attributing them to what the government described as a “shift in loyalty.”
The statement reads in part:
“The Federal Government notes the recent remarks by His Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, regarding the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration at a public event in Lagos. While every Nigerian, including the Emir, has the inalienable right to express their opinion, it is surprising and disheartening for a leader of his stature to admit to withholding the truth due to personal grievances or perceived antagonism.”
The government defended its economic reforms as bold and necessary steps to address decades of mismanagement, emphasizing their long-term benefits despite current hardships.
According to the statement, the administration’s reforms are already yielding measurable progress:
- The unification of exchange rates has improved investor confidence, bolstered foreign reserves, and enhanced Nigeria’s ability to withstand external economic shocks.
- The removal of the fuel subsidy has freed up resources for critical investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
- Projections from global institutions, including the World Bank, indicate positive growth in Nigeria’s GDP, signaling a recovery trajectory.
- Efforts to address inefficiencies have reduced the debt service-to-revenue ratio, laying a foundation for a more sustainable fiscal framework.
The statement further noted that the temporary hardships Nigerians face are the “necessary consequences of decades of irresponsible economic management,” which Emir Sanusi himself has previously acknowledged.
The Federal Government called on the Emir to use his expertise in economics to offer constructive input rather than undermine policies aimed at collective progress.
“It is deeply disappointing that reforms widely recognized as essential by global experts—including by Emir Sanusi II himself—are now being subtly criticized due to a shift in personal loyalty. As someone with a deep understanding of economics, His Highness has a unique responsibility to contribute positively to the discourse rather than allow personal sentiments to cloud his judgment,” the statement concluded.
