The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has expressed sympathy with Nigerians, especially traders, over the hardship caused by the naira redesign policy.
Tinubu stated that he understands the pain and suffering caused by the naira swap policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) because he is a son of a trader.
The former Governor of Lagos State said his reservations about the implementation of the policy were informed by his experience as someone who grew up in a market environment.
It has been reported that Tinubu made these known on Friday evening while speaking at a town hall meeting with market leaders from around the country in Abuja.
He said he feels the pains most petty traders, artisans, small-scale business promoters, and the masses are facing with the hardship brought about by the disruptive implementation of the policy.
The former governor said he was fed and trained by his late mother with money from trading, adding that he could identify with the pains and gains of traders.
Tinubu said he knew limiting the circulation of cash would have a devastating impact on the informal economy because of his knowledge of trading in the markets.
The APC presidential candidate urged the traders to remain resolute and not allow difficulties arising from the naira swap exercise to overwhelm them.
He said if elected, his government would provide low-interest loans for traders and address their concerns in other areas of their businesses.
In their remarks, representatives of market leaders described Tinubu as the best candidate on the ballot and promised to mobilise for his victory.
Tinubu was joined at the event by Governors Muhammad Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), and Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Hon. James Faleke, among other chieftains of the party.
