President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his administration’s economic reforms as necessary measures towards achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Tinubu, represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, spoke at the second edition of the Asiwaju Scorecard Series and Policy Roundtable in Abuja.

The President said the reforms had strengthened the foundation for economic stability and growth, citing improvements in foreign reserves, revenue mobilisation, trade and gross domestic product.

However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the administration’s economic policies, questioning why Nigerians had to endure years of hardship before the government began promising relief.

Atiku argued that recent promises of cheaper transportation, increased food production and support for vulnerable Nigerians amounted to a belated response to a cost-of-living crisis that had persisted for more than three years.

Meanwhile, Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu have congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the President described Shettima as a trusted ally, patriot and committed public servant.

Tinubu also commended the Vice President for his loyalty to the APC and his support for the administration.

The President congratulated Shettima ahead of his birthday on Wednesday and extended his good wishes to his wife, Nana, their children, family members and political associates on the milestone.