Yilwatda tasks opposition on policy alternatives as APC Chairman’s aides win National Assembly awards

● APC Chairman defends subsidy removal, hails Tinubu’s reforms at 10th NASS Excellence Awards

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has called on opposition leaders to offer concrete policy alternatives instead of blanket criticism of government actions, saying Nigerians deserve solutions, not just condemnation.

Professor Yilwatda made the call on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, while speaking through Hon. Daniel Rejenieju at the 10th National Assembly Award Dinner Ceremony held at the House of Representatives Complex in Abuja.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC Chairman said many opposition figures who campaigned in 2023 also promised to remove fuel subsidy, but failed to present any clear plan to cushion its effects.

—“Subsidy removal was inevitable”—

Yilwatda described the removal of fuel subsidy as a painful but necessary step to prevent fiscal collapse.

“The former subsidy regime was unsustainable. It enriched a privileged few while denying the country resources for critical national development,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to stay the course with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, expressing confidence that the current hardship would give way to sustainable growth, fiscal stability and shared prosperity.

—Aides recognised for excellence—

The ceremony also recognised two senior staff in the Office of the APC National Chairman.

Comrade Jubrin Bancir, Personal Private Secretary to the Chairman, was honoured with the _Most Outstanding Personal Private Secretary in Nigerian Politics Award_ for professionalism, commitment to duty and leadership.

Caroline Omeashem, Secretary in the Office of the National Chairman, received the _Most Outstanding Award in Confidentiality and Professional Service_. Organisers praised her discretion, diligence and role in ensuring smooth coordination of the Chairman’s office.

The APC Chairman said the awards highlight the importance of integrity and professionalism in public service and democratic governance.

—-Reforms, NELFUND and Renewed Hope Agenda—

Speaking on the Renewed Hope Agenda, Yilwatda said courageous leadership requires taking difficult decisions that previous administrations avoided despite acknowledging their necessity.

He noted that the current economic difficulties are short-term consequences of reforms aimed at correcting years of structural distortions, and that the long-term benefits would outweigh present sacrifices.

He cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, as a flagship social intervention, stating that millions of students across the country have benefited regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation. According to him, the programme has expanded access to tertiary education and eased financial pressure on families.

The Chairman added that the reforms have encouraged fiscal discipline, prudent spending and productivity, while increased allocations to states have improved capacity to pay salaries, deliver infrastructure and drive development at the sub-national level.

“While we acknowledge the temporary hardship, we appeal to Nigerians to remain patient and united. Lasting transformation requires resilience, sacrifice and collective commitment,” he said.

*Commendations for Tinubu administration*
Convener of the awards, Hon. Uko Miracle, commended President Tinubu and the APC leadership for what he called remarkable achievements since 2023. He said his organisation documented performance across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, which informed a special magazine on the administration’s accomplishments.

Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajia Fatima Abbas applauded the organisers for promoting excellence in public service. She also lauded the Renewed Hope Agenda and praised First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her work on women empowerment and support for SMEs, describing women’s economic empowerment as key to sustainable national development.