‘It’s Mere Public Relations Gimmick’, Atiku’s Aide Slams Tinubu’s ‘Nigeria First’ Policy

Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s recently introduced ‘Nigeria First’ policy, calling it a public relations gimmick with no genuine commitment to local content or economic patriotism.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, Shaibu described the policy, which was re-echoed during the Monday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, as “another tired PR stunt” meant to deceive Nigerians rather than drive real change.

“If this government is truly serious about promoting local industry, it must start at the top,” Shaibu said. “We challenge President Tinubu to trade in his Escalade for an Innoson, Nord, or any made-in-Nigeria car. That singular gesture would have a greater impact on boosting local manufacturing than any policy document.”

The statement also took aim at government officials who reportedly enjoy luxurious foreign-made vehicles while advocating for economic patriotism. “Let’s see the ministers—those shameless Rolls Royce connoisseurs—sweat it out in Nigerian-made vehicles too. Or is ‘Nigeria First’ only for the masses?” he queried.

On the issue of frequent foreign trips, Shaibu urged President Tinubu to patronise Nigeria’s local tourist destinations instead of heading abroad. “If he’s serious about patriotism, his next vacation should be at Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, or Erin Ijesha Waterfalls. Nigeria is beautiful—unless, of course, the President thinks otherwise.”

The statement also criticised the President’s medical tourism habits, arguing that true leadership would mean using local healthcare facilities like LUTH in Lagos, UCH Ibadan, or the National Hospital Abuja. “Anything less is sheer hypocrisy,” Shaibu added, citing the recently commissioned N41 billion hospital in Uyo as an example of a facility good enough for any Nigerian—including the President.

He concluded by accusing the Tinubu administration of demanding sacrifices from struggling citizens while continuing to indulge in “foreign luxuries.” According to him, “True leadership isn’t about photo-ops or soundbites—it’s about setting the tone by example.”

Shaibu’s remarks come amid growing public skepticism over the sincerity of government efforts to promote local production and reduce dependency on foreign goods and services.