Public policy analyst and former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi, has criticised recent remarks by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu encouraging Nigerians to pursue small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasting corn and producing kulikuli as sources of income.
According to Daily Post on Friday, June 26, 2026, Amadi said the comments reflected political messaging rather than the type of governance needed to address Nigeria’s economic challenges. While acknowledging the importance of small businesses, he argued that government should focus on policies that create sustainable jobs, attract investment and improve the business environment.
Amadi also contended that political skill does not necessarily translate into effective governance, stressing that long-term economic progress requires institutional reforms and sound public policies.
“The only problem is that the competences for being an astute politician do not translate to competences to govern well. Nigeria will continue to stagnate and the poor will be poorer under this astuteness,” he said.
He maintained that Nigeria’s future depends on leadership committed to structural reforms, economic growth and policies that deliver lasting improvements in citizens’ living standards.
