ADC Accuses President Tinubu of Disrespecting Naira with Dollar Rewards to Athletes

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop awarding monetary gifts in US dollars, saying it undermines confidence in Nigeria’s official currency, the Naira.

This comes after President Tinubu recently rewarded Nigeria’s national female football team, the Super Falcons, and the women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with cash prizes — all announced in foreign currency.

While praising the President for honoring the athletes’ achievements, the ADC’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, criticized the continued use of the US dollar for such gestures.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Abdullahi wrote:

“We thank President BAT for amply rewarding our victorious Falcons and D’Tigress. But we find it strange that the President has repeatedly shown his disregard for the Nigerian sovereign currency by announcing the awards in US Dollars.”

He concluded by referencing the National Orientation Agency’s campaign against currency misuse:

“Mr. President sir, NOA says, Stop the Naira Abuse.”

The statement has sparked fresh debate about the symbolic importance of promoting the Naira at a time when the local currency continues to face pressure in the forex market.

Many Nigerians have expressed similar concerns online, calling for leaders to show more confidence in the Naira, especially in official dealings and public rewards.