The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop what it described as the abuse of Nigeria’s sovereign currency, following his recent announcement of cash rewards in US dollars to national sports teams.
The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, issued the statement via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, expressing concern over the President’s decision to reward the Super Falcons and D’Tigress in foreign currency.
While commending the gesture of acknowledging the athletes’ achievements, Abdullahi said the choice to announce the monetary gifts in US dollars signals a troubling lack of respect for the Nigerian naira.
“We thank President BAT for amply rewarding our victorious Falcons and D’Tigress. But we find it strange that the President has repeatedly shown his disregard for the Nigerian sovereign currency by announcing the awards in US Dollars,” the statement read.
Abdullahi concluded his remarks with a reference to the National Orientation Agency (NOA), writing, “Mr. President sir, NOA says, stop the Naira abuse.”
The ADC’s criticism adds to growing public debate around the symbolic and economic implications of conducting official transactions or announcements in foreign currencies.