The Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Muhammad Sanusi II, has expressed strong support for the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he agrees with about 80 percent of the administration’s policy direction.
Speaking in an interview with News Central on Tuesday, Sanusi praised the Federal Government’s economic management, particularly its efforts to restore stability through improved fiscal discipline and monetary policy coordination.
“In terms of monetary policy and stability, I have nothing but commendation for the government,” Sanusi said. “On the fiscal side, we have seen improvement in revenue-to-GDP ratios, better debt service indicators, and a contraction in the deficit. These are positive steps, but we still have a long way to go.”
Commending Economic Discipline
The former apex bank chief noted that the Tinubu administration had taken bold steps to strengthen government revenue through tax reforms and prudent monetary measures. He described these as necessary actions to rebuild investor confidence and restore credibility in Nigeria’s fiscal management.
However, he also urged the government to improve the efficiency and quality of public expenditure, warning that unchecked spending could undermine the progress already achieved.
“We’re still spending too much money on government — too many political appointees, too many officers,” Sanusi cautioned. “If we do not improve the quality of spending and put a rein on expenditure, we will continue borrowing.”
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The Emir warned that unless Nigeria manages its post-subsidy savings wisely, the country risks falling back into a debt trap. “After saving money from expensive subsidies, if we build up the balance sheet and then spend recklessly, we’ll end up borrowing again,” he said. “The first step — fixing revenue — has been achieved, but now we must sustain discipline.”
Agricultural Reforms and Food Security
Turning to the agricultural sector, Sanusi called for deeper structural reforms and investment in the agricultural value chain. He cautioned that the government’s policy of mass food importation, though intended to ease prices, could ultimately harm local farmers and domestic production.
“We need to stop the large-scale importation of food,” he said. “While it might bring short-term relief, it undermines our farmers and the prices of locally produced goods. The real solution lies in strengthening local production and ensuring food self-sufficiency.”
Sanusi emphasized that sustainable food security would only come from empowering farmers, improving agricultural infrastructure, and investing in processing industries that add value to local produce.
A Vote of Confidence with Caution
Despite his concerns, the Emir lauded President Tinubu’s overall direction and reform drive, describing it as courageous and necessary in light of Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
“All in all, I would say I support 70 to 80 percent of what the government has done and the direction it is taking,” Sanusi said. “Yes, I have reservations about certain aspects — such as food importation and the cost of governance — but I believe we’re on the right path. We’ve come very far in the right direction.”
Sanusi’s remarks come amid growing national debate over the government’s fiscal reforms, fuel subsidy removal, and ongoing efforts to stabilize the naira. His endorsement is seen by many as a significant vote of confidence from one of Nigeria’s most respected economic voices.
