Presidential aide Daniel Bwala has admitted that the economic reforms have pushed more Nigerians into poverty.
Speaking on social media this week, he said the pain is real but the government has made good progress since the reforms started in 2023.
The reforms removed the petrol subsidy and merged the forex market.
Since then, it has become more expensive to move goods, run a business and feed a family, and many households and companies are feeling the squeeze.
Bwala said the early months were hard for many people.
He said every serious reform in the world brings some discomfort, and that the government has spent three years explaining what it is doing and why.
He said part of his confidence comes from governors who won on opposition tickets and have since joined the APC.