Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Defends Small‑Business Advice Amid Public Backlash

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu urged Nigerians to start low‑capital enterprises such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli‑kuli, saying the government provides grant assistance – notably a ₦50,000 grant – to support these ventures. Her remarks sparked extensive online criticism, with some pointing out that realistic startup costs exceed ₦90,000 and accusing the advice of being out of touch with high inflation and unemployment.

Supporters, including APC chieftain Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, Special Adviser Sunday Dare and other party members, defended the First Lady, arguing that her message encourages self‑sufficiency and that modest funds can indeed launch viable micro‑businesses. They highlighted existing government programmes such as the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, the Presidential Palliative Loan Programme, Bank of Industry funds and SMEDAN support for small and medium enterprises.

Critics such as media personality DJ Switch and human‑rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemned the comments, demanding that Tinubu demonstrate the feasibility of her advice by establishing such businesses for her own family and labeling the leadership as “wicked and greedy.” The debate reflects broader public frustration over economic hardship and the perceived gap between political rhetoric and everyday realities for ordinary Nigerians.