Nigerians are not used to hard work… they like free money—Senator Orji Uzor Kalu
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has sparked debate with his firm defense of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, attributing public discontent to a national culture of “getting easy money” without productive effort.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the National Assembly, the former governor and Senate Chief Whip acknowledged the widespread economic hardship in the country but urged patience, insisting that the reforms are working — albeit at the macro level for now.
“Let me be honest with you. I’m a businessman, not a politician… People are still suffering — yes, I agree with that. But it has started trickling in at the macro level… I’m hoping that in the next two to three years, the President’s policies will trickle down,” Kalu said.
Tinubu’s Tough Reforms: “Unprecedented Since 1960”
Kalu lauded Tinubu for taking what he described as bold, historic steps — most notably:
Ending the fuel subsidy regime
Unifying Nigeria’s multiple foreign exchange rates
“Since 1960, this is the first President… who stopped the fuel subsidy [and] merged the dollar rates,” Kalu emphasized.
He argued these moves disrupted entrenched systems that had enabled unproductive wealth accumulation.
Critique of “Easy Money” Culture
Perhaps most controversially, Kalu placed part of the blame for Nigeria’s resistance to reform on a mindset he described as dependent and unproductive.
“Nigerians are not used to working hard. We’re used to getting easy money. People used to sit in their houses, use their phones, get dollars, and sell at very high rates.”
He also criticized profiteering in sectors like tank farms and government securities, saying the administration’s stance is clear: earn money through real productivity or step aside.
Mixed Reactions Expected
Kalu’s remarks are likely to trigger strong reactions:
Supporters of the Tinubu administration may see his comments as a defense of long-term reforms finally targeting corruption and inefficiencies.
Critics may view his statement as tone-deaf, especially amid soaring inflation, high unemployment, and rising cost of living.
While acknowledging current suffering, Senator Kalu’s message is clear: economic transformation takes time, and easy-money schemes are no longer viable. Whether the reforms will yield the promised results by 2027 remains to be seen — but his comments add a bold new voice to the national debate on hardship, responsibility, and reform.
