Veteran journalist and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, has explained why Nigerians should not have expected World Trade Organisation Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to say anything different from her recent praise of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, Abati noted that Okonjo-Iweala is an international diplomat, and her comments largely echoed the positions of global financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

Earlier in the week, Okonjo-Iweala commended Tinubu for stabilising Nigeria’s economy and called for greater focus on economic growth and social safety nets for citizens feeling the impact of reforms.

According to Abati, this message was not new.

“She simply echoed the IMF and World Bank. They have all said the reforms are important but must be followed by growth and safety nets to protect the most vulnerable,” he explained.

He stressed that while the government highlights progress, the real concern is whether Nigeria is producing enough to sustain growth.

“We are still a monocultural economy, relying mainly on oil. Growth of 3.4 or 3.5% is not enough — we need double-digit growth,” Abati said.

The journalist added that Nigerians judge the economy based on their daily realities, not just official statistics. He emphasised the need for new ideas to expand productivity, diversify revenue sources, and ensure that reforms lead to prosperity for all.

Abati concluded by reiterating that the ultimate goal should be an economy where every Nigerian is secure, prosperous, and able to thrive — not just an economy that looks good on paper.