A diplomatic row has emerged between Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and Kenya’s President William Ruto over their contrasting views on Africa’s economic realities.

The controversy began when Tinubu, during a working visit to Bayelsa State, defended his administration’s economic reforms despite growing concerns over rising fuel prices and the cost of living.

Speaking at the inauguration of key infrastructure projects, the President urged Nigerians to remain optimistic, stating that the country was better off than some of its African counterparts.

“It is very important that we are honest with our people. Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let us thank God together, that you are better off,” Tinubu said.

He added, “Listen to them in Kenya and other African countries and what they are going through. We will not look back. We will continue to find way to ameliorate the sufferings of the vulnerable.”

PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the Kenyan leader has since criticised Nigeria’s economy and made controversial remarks about its English usage.

The exchange has since generated widespread reactions, particularly on social media, as citizens weigh in on the comments by both leaders.

Ruto Fires Back

Responding in a now-viral video, Ruto rejected Tinubu’s comparison, highlighting Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, particularly its persistent electricity supply issues.

He also took a swipe at Nigeria’s English usage, using humour to underscore his point.

“Our education is good. Our English is good. We speak the best English in the world. If you listen to a Nigerian speak English, you’ll need a translator. We have the best human capital anywhere in the world,” Ruto said.

The exchange comes at a time when many African countries, including Nigeria and Kenya, are facing economic strain.

Rising fuel prices, inflation, and currency instability have been linked to global supply disruptions, partly driven by tensions in the Middle East and uncertainties surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.

Despite being one of Africa’s largest oil producers, Nigeria continues to grapple with erratic electricity supply and economic volatility.

Kenya, meanwhile, has positioned itself as a regional hub for finance and technology but is also dealing with rising public debt and cost-of-living pressures.

Meanwhile, Ruto met earlier with renowned Nigerian billionaire businessman and founder of the Dangote Group, Africa’s leading industrialist, Aliko Dangote, on the sidelines of the Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi, showing interest in cement and sugar manufacturing and oil refining.

Sharing an excerpt from the meeting on his 𝕏 account, President Ruto acknowledged that African industrialists and entrepreneurs are key drivers of economic growth and innovation across sectors, including manufacturing, industrialisation, banking, and technology.

“As a result, they are crucial partners with governments in transforming our countries, especially in investment and employment creation. We welcome his announcement at the summit that he was ready to partner with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in building an oil refinery in Tanga, Tanzania. We thank Mr Dangote for believing in Africa and are committed to working with him to make this very important regional project a reality,” he said.