“Nigeria safer in phone snatching than UK, Cameroon” _Tinubu’s Aide Tope Fasua

, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, has ignited a fiery debate across social media following his recent comments regarding national security. During a “Coffee Hangout” event held in Abuja, the presidential aide dismissed concerns about the prevalence of street crime, asserting that phone snatching is no longer a significant crisis in Nigeria. His remarks were intended to address the growing anxiety among citizens regarding the intersection of economic hardship and personal safety, particularly for those using public transport and ride-hailing services.

In a move that surprised many attendees, Fasua went as far as to claim that Nigeria is currently safer from phone-related robberies than both the United Kingdom and Cameroon. He argued that while such crimes were once a major issue, the country has effectively moved past that stage. To support his stance, the aide shared his personal experience, stating that he frequently walks in public spaces without fear or incident. He suggested that the narrative of widespread insecurity is often exaggerated by those looking for reasons to criticize the nation’s progress.

The response to these assertions was immediate and largely critical, as many Nigerians took to digital platforms to express their disbelief. Critics have pointed out that comparing Nigeria’s security situation to the United Kingdom’s appears out of touch with the daily realities of citizens who still report frequent encounters with “one-chance” operators and street muggers. The backlash highlights a significant disconnect between the official government perspective on safety and the lived experiences of the general public who face these risks in their neighborhoods.

Ultimately, Fasua’s comments have served as a lightning rod for broader frustrations regarding the current administration’s handling of the economy and internal security. By urging Nigerians not to use every opportunity to put the country down, he sought to project a sense of national improvement and resilience. However, the resulting controversy suggests that until the average citizen feels a tangible increase in safety on the streets, such optimistic comparisons to foreign nations will likely continue to be met with skepticism and public outcry.