Nigerian investment banker and entrepreneur Atedo Peterside has raised concerns over the unequal impact of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying wealthier Nigerians with investments are recording financial gains while millions of low-income earners continue to struggle.

Peterside made the remarks during an interview on Monday, November 2, 2026, while discussing Nigeria’s economic situation and the growing pressure on households.

He acknowledged that people in the upper-middle class with investments in the stock market and other financial assets could be better off under the current economic policies.

According to him, however, the gains experienced by investors do not reflect the realities of Nigerians who depend mainly on salaries and have little financial security.

The investment banker said his personal investments and income had improved over the past three years but maintained that his concern was the worsening conditions faced by poorer households.

“If you’re upper middle class, I can probably show on the blackboard and you have investments in the stock exchange and all that stuff, I can show on the blackboard that you’re probably better off in the last three years,” he said.

Peterside added that his own financial position had improved but said the experience of investors should not be used as the sole measure of the country’s economic progress.

“I’m not going to lie. In terms of my investments and so on, income is getting higher. But that’s not my concern,” he stated.

He expressed particular concern about Nigerians who have limited savings and are struggling to afford basic necessities, including food and household expenses.

“My concern is for the 140, 130 million Nigerians who are poor, who are getting poorer,” Peterside said.

His comments have drawn attention to the debate over how the benefits and costs of Nigeria’s economic reforms are distributed across different income groups.

While improvements in investment returns and financial market performance may benefit people with assets, households with limited savings remain exposed to rising living costs and pressure on their purchasing power.

Peterside’s central argument was that economic progress should also be assessed by its impact on ordinary Nigerians, particularly those who do not have investments or other financial buffers to withstand economic shocks.