The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund, Afiz Ogun, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying Nigerians will enjoy greater benefits if the President secures a second term.

Ogun made the remarks on Thursday in Jos during activities marking the 55th anniversary of the ITF and his third year in office. He argued that some of the government’s most criticised policies, particularly fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms, were necessary to address longstanding problems in the economy.

According to him, the reforms may have caused hardship in the short term, but their effects are beginning to emerge, particularly through greater stability in the foreign exchange market and improved investment prospects.

Ogun also praised Tinubu’s leadership approach, saying the President’s decision to appoint people based on competence rather than ethnicity had contributed to his confidence in the administration.

He urged Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious considerations when assessing the government, insisting that the country would be better positioned for prosperity as the reforms mature.

The ITF boss also highlighted his administration’s achievements at the agency, including expanded skills-training programmes, digital reforms and the Skill-Up Artisans programme, which he said had empowered hundreds of thousands of Nigerians.

His position comes amid continued debate over the impact of Tinubu’s reforms. While government officials have pointed to improving economic indicators, labour groups and many citizens continue to raise concerns about high living costs and the pressure on household incomes.