Clarification On Cost of Living Statement, By Tope Fasua

My attention has been drawn to the viral 2-second clip of my interaction with Kay’s Hikers Club which held on the 5th of May 2026 at The Destination, Abuja wherein I stated that N10,000 is enough to ‘feed a modest family for several days’. There is a need to clarify that I meant to say ‘person’, and not ‘family’, and we were speaking at that point in the context of rural Nigeria. I immediately clarified my statement right there and then and emphasized to the audience about the need for serious personal financial management in the context of global hardships. I let the crowd know that Nigeria is still their best bet and that they should condemn their nation less and align with a positive spirit. This is what I do all day, everyday and I was not going to pass up on the opportunity.

I accepted to speak with the group after a call by Mr. Kingsley, the convener, whom I’ve known for almost 10 years. Also, I was convinced when I was told that the venue will be The Destination – a hotel owned by my good friend, Olajide Abiola. I had spoken to this group of mostly young people (in their 20s and 30s) about 5 years ago and believed this was another opportunity to have a robust engagement – and we did. In such discussions one does not know what to expect. On this day, I met about 150 people who had been having discussions, crammed in a steaming room. Therefore after my first responses, I was sweltering in my suit, shirt, singlet and tie (Fela warned us).

The discussion went on for 2 and half hours and I believe that I spoke to most people’s concerns, respectfully and with a view to convincing at least a few to see the goodness in Nigeria despite challenging times. I noted early in the discussion that the demeanor of most attendees was combatant and despite the promise not to go personal, a few of the questions and comments were exactly that – aggressively personal and condemning.

Still I believe it was an important outing, such that should be encouraged between government appointees and the citizens – especially GenZs. There were many points of education that presented themselves which I promptly seized – especially on the reforms of government and the benefits of Nigeria’s pro-poor tax laws, savings on foreign exchange arbitrage and so on. In fact, the first salvo of questions was around the issue of Shoprite’s challenges when I promptly brought up the bustling alternatives like Ebeano, Sahad, JustRite, HyperCity, Bokku, Market Square and other Nigerian brands. That sank into the consciousness of the attendees. I made examples of young Jide Abiola and even Tade Makinwa, two of the most positive Nigerian patriots I know.

We live in a world where people judge by Headlines. We also live in a world where the media cleverly maxes out their popularity with sensational headlines and where the selectivity of reportage can put people in awkward situations. Interviews are hardly aired verbatim and sequentially except they are done live once and for all. Also, clarifications of statements made on a spur are hardly shown because, who cares? Then in selling a show, short takes are clips of what can travel far are chosen and aired. Most people only see these short takes and make up their minds. Still, we have to engage and continue to clarify and educate. We don’t know it all, and Nigeria at nearly 66 years of self-governance has a plethora of problems, but I will continue to inform the youths of Nigeria that statistically, they are better off building their nation than running abroad to already developed nations where they are often faced with daunting challenges and hurdles, and often made to feel unwanted. Maybe I will have another session with this group of mostly young bloods. The battle for the hearts of young Nigerians is a marathon project. And the government in which I serve – under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – will continue to improve while listening to the yearnings of Nigerians, as we make necessary adjustments.

TOPE FASUA
10TH MAY 2026