By any measure, Nigeria is facing one of its toughest economic periods in decades. Inflation has remained high, food prices have surged, and millions of families are struggling to make ends meet. In such a climate, every statement from those in positions of authority carries enormous symbolic weight.
That is why the recent comments by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu encouraging women to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, or kuli-kuli have generated intense public debate.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with these businesses. Millions of hardworking Nigerians earn an honest living through petty trading. They deserve dignity and respect.
The controversy is not about the businesses themselves. It is about whether this represents the level of economic ambition that should be projected by the First Lady of Africa’s largest economy.
Women empowerment in the twenty-first century should be about expanding opportunities—not merely surviving hardship. It should mean access to affordable loans, vocational and digital skills, modern markets, technology, childcare support, and an economy capable of creating decent jobs for their children.
Nigeria has millions of educated but unemployed young people. Many parents are not asking government to teach them how to survive poverty; they are asking for policies that reduce poverty in the first place.
This is why critics argue that official messaging matters. When citizens struggling under rising living costs hear repeated advice focused on coping with hardship rather than overcoming it, some interpret it as evidence that government has accepted poverty as the new normal.
Supporters of the First Lady, on the other hand, argue that encouraging entrepreneurship—however small—is practical and better than idleness. They say every successful business starts somewhere.
That debate is legitimate. But perhaps the bigger question is this: Should the national conversation be centred on helping Nigerians adapt to hardship, or on building an economy where fewer people need survival strategies at all?
Leadership is ultimately judged not only by the advice it gives, but by the opportunities it creates.
Nigerians deserve policies that make small businesses a choice—not the only option available.