NEWS
“Whether Nigeria Gets Better Or Not, I’m Perfectly Okay” — Keji Giwa Sparks Nationwide Outrage Over Economic Comments, Tinubu Support
…says “I Am Banking On Nigeria Not To Get Better, So I Will Support Tinubu“
Prominent Nigerian real estate developer and entrepreneur, Keji Giwa, has come under intense public criticism following a series of controversial remarks touching on politics, Nigeria’s economic realities, and his personal business interests.
The backlash erupted after a podcast interview involving the UK-trained businessman went viral across social media platforms, where he openly declared support for the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Giwa, his support for the current government is tied directly to strategic business considerations rather than emotional or ideological loyalty.
The businessman further stirred reactions after admitting that he was effectively positioning his businesses to benefit from the country’s harsh economic conditions rather than hoping for rapid national recovery.
In one of the most controversial moments from the interview, Giwa stated that whether Nigeria improves economically or not would have little effect on his personal lifestyle and family structure, noting that his household remains insulated from the harsh realities confronting ordinary citizens through private education, financial stability, and generational wealth.
The comments immediately ignited widespread outrage online, with many Nigerians at home and abroad accusing the developer of displaying insensitivity toward the suffering of struggling citizens. Critics described the remarks as evidence of a widening disconnect between wealthy elites and the larger population battling rising living costs, unemployment, and economic uncertainty.
Several commentators on social media characterized his position as exploitative, arguing that certain privileged business figures appear to benefit from systemic weaknesses, governance failures, and widening inequality in the country.
The controversy also revived earlier criticism surrounding Giwa’s past public statements. In previous interviews, the real estate mogul had reportedly suggested that Nigeria’s poor wage structure and uneven wealth distribution worked in favor of his enterprise by making labor cheaper and easier to maintain.
Months earlier, Giwa had also faced public outrage over comments directed at former employees who relocated abroad. During another podcast appearance, he reportedly prayed for the deportation of some ex-staff members from the United Kingdom, accusing them of taking advantage of his company after receiving training and opportunities.
Beyond the public backlash over his statements, pressure has continued to mount against Giwa’s companies, particularly Digital Landlords and Giwa Gardens Water Park, over allegations raised by investors and clients.
Investigative reports and public complaints circulating online have revealed growing unrest among some investors who accuse the companies of failing to return invested funds and promised returns on investment over extended periods.
Among those reportedly affected are a United States-based psychiatric technician said to have invested about ₦19 million and a Lagos-based property developer allegedly unable to recover over ₦8 million tied to investment arrangements.
Some aggrieved investors further allege that refund requests have been repeatedly delayed, while others claim they were blocked on social media or faced legal resistance after demanding repayment. The allegations have further fueled skepticism surrounding some of Giwa’s ambitious coastal real estate proposals, including the recently unveiled Eko Miami development project.
As public debate continues to intensify, the controversy has once again placed Nigeria’s real estate investment sector under scrutiny, especially regarding transparency, investor confidence, and the ethical responsibilities of influential business leaders during periods of national economic hardship.