OPINION
Assessing Two Years of the Tinubu Administration’s Policies, Progress, and Public Perception
President Ahmed Bola Tinubu
By Abubakar Baba
Two years into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure, his administration’s *Renewed Hope Agenda*—a vision anchored on economic revitalization, enhanced security, and equitable opportunities—faces mounting scrutiny. While the government touts structural reforms and macroeconomic gains, ordinary Nigerians grapple with soaring living costs, fueling debates over the tangible impact of its policies.
Key Reforms and Claimed Achievements
President Tinubu’s administration began with a seismic shift: the abrupt *removal of fuel subsidies* during his May 29, 2023, inauguration speech. Officials defended this move as necessary to redirect funds to healthcare, education, and infrastructure, citing a 50% drop in petrol importation and renewed investor interest. Months later, the *naira unification policy* and floating exchange rate regime were introduced, which the Central Bank reported boosted foreign exchange inflows by $3 billion in Q3 2023.
Other notable actions include:
– *Tax Reforms*: The National Assembly approved bills raising VAT from 7.5% to 12.5% to curb leakages and bolster revenue.
– *Local Government Autonomy*: A Supreme Court verdict affirming financial independence for local governments, aimed at decentralizing development.
– *Social Interventions*: Launch of a Student Loan Scheme, a State of Emergency on Food Security, and health/social welfare expansions.
– *Security Measures*: Counterterrorism efforts like the *Pulako Initiative* and police recruitment drives to address regional instability.
*Criticisms and Socioeconomic Realities*
Despite these measures, critics argue that macroeconomic gains have not trickled down. The *fuel subsidy removal* triggered an immediate spike in transport, food, and energy costs, disproportionately affecting low-income households. The absence of robust social safety nets exacerbated public frustration, with labor unions repeatedly striking over unmet wage agreements.
The naira’s devaluation also accelerated inflation, which peaked at 24.23% in March 2025 before easing slightly to 23.71% in April. While the government highlights this 0.52% dip as progress, food inflation remains stubbornly high at 35.8%, underscoring the daily struggles of families.
*Security challenges* persist, particularly in the North and Middle Belt, where banditry and kidnappings disrupt farming and deepen food insecurity. Critics accuse the administration of sluggish responses, undermining its agricultural revival promises.
The Trust Deficit
Public skepticism lingers over the transparency of economic data. For instance, while the National Bureau of Statistics reports incremental inflation declines, many Nigerians question the metrics’ relevance to their realities. A civil servant in Lagos captured the sentiment: “How does a 0.5% inflation drop help when my children’s school fees have tripled?”
The administration’s strained rapport with labor unions and perceived elitist policymaking further erode trust. Negotiations over minimum wage increases remain gridlocked, fueling protests and strikes.
The Road Ahead
President Tinubu’s team insists their reforms require patience, likening the economic overhaul to “painful surgery for long-term health.” However, with 2027 elections looming, the government faces pressure to bridge the gap between statistical improvements and lived experiences.
*The pivotal question remains*: Can the Tinubu administration convert macroeconomic adjustments into palpable relief for Nigerians, or will the *Renewed Hope Agenda* succumb to the weight of unmet expectations? The answer may define not only its legacy but also the nation’s stability in the years ahead.
