Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu urges small‑scale entrepreneurship, sparking debate

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu urged Nigerians, especially women, to start low‑capital businesses such as selling akara, kuli‑kuli and roasting corn, saying the government’s Renewed Hope Initiative provides grants rather than loans. She said, “We’re trying to give hope, and to start an akara business doesn’t take a lot of money,” and framed the advice as a call for self‑reliance and dignity of labour.

The remarks triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with many pointing to soaring inflation, high input costs and dwindling consumer purchasing power as evidence that such micro‑enterprises are no longer viable for the poorest. Critics argue the advice shows a disconnect from the macro‑economic crisis facing Nigeria.

Defenders, including presidential aide Sunday Dare, who recalled “My mother sold akara, bananas and oranges…”, Director General Ahmed Bala of Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria, and APC chieftain Kahinde Olaosebikan, argued that the informal sector remains the backbone of the economy and that encouraging modest entrepreneurship is pragmatic and patriotic. They stressed that the grants target vulnerable groups and that small‑scale trading can evolve into larger enterprises.

Opposition voices such as broadcaster Rufai Oseni, singer Mr Real and DJ Switch also denounced the suggestion, claiming it trivialises the country’s hardships. The debate highlights tensions between immediate poverty‑relief measures and calls for broader structural reforms.