Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has consistently shown strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, starting well before his election.
Lagos, Nigeria- Her praise for Tinubu’s economic policies came to the forefront when she highlighted what she saw as significant progress in Nigeria’s economy under his leadership. According to Badmus, Nigeria’s shift from consumption to production is evidenced by a trade surplus of over N14 trillion in 2024, a milestone she credited to Tinubu’s administration.
On her Instagram story, she wrote: “Our imports are reducing, and our exports are increasing. That is a sign that our economy is expanding. “For the year-to-date 2024, our imports were N24.44 trillion, while our exports stood at N38.59 trillion. This gives us an unprecedented trade surplus of over N14 trillion in just eight months. “It has never happened in Nigeria. Never. This is a refreshing shift from consumption to production.”
Recent data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) supports these claims, with Nigeria recording a trade surplus of N6.9 trillion in the second quarter of 2024. This improvement stems largely from the country’s strong export performance, particularly in crude oil, which remains the dominant export commodity. Crude oil exports accounted for nearly 75% of total exports, while non-oil exports also made notable contributions, including products like cocoa and urea. Nigeria’s top trading partners in this period included Spain, the United States, and India, reflecting the global demand for its products.
However, this positive economic data comes amidst widespread economic challenges. Inflation and the rising cost of living have placed significant strain on everyday Nigerians.
Badmus has been a very vocal supporter of Tinubu for several years. She actively participated in his campaign and played a key role during his inauguration, chairing the Entertainment Committee that handled the festivities. She worked alongside other entertainment figures like Toyin Abraham and Saheed Balogun, further cementing her loyalty to the president. This support even extended to distributing clothing (Aso Ebi) for the inauguration celebrations, solidifying her public association with Tinubu’s leadership.
Despite the acclaim from some quarters, Badmus has faced quite a significant backlash online. Critics argue that her praise of the administration’s economic performance ignores the hardships many Nigerians are combating on a daily basis, including inflation and widespread poverty.
This has sparked debates on social media, with many accusing her of being disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens. Nonetheless, Badmus remains steadfast in her support for Tinubu, expressing hope for continued progress under his government. As she continues to advocate for the administration, pointing to specific economic achievements as signs of growth.
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