IN THE past two years, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has performed according to his ability, and it is our duty to examine his performances against the expectations of Nigerians.
By May 29, 2025, the President would be exactly two years in office. For many Nigerians, it’s been two years of deepening poverty, worsening insecurity, and lost hope. His neoliberal policies have pushed lives to the brink, where hunger, disease, and state brutality threaten to consume us all. Rather than progress, we’ve seen two years of regression, emptiness, and dashed dreams. The world Bank just predicted more tales of woe, stating that more Nigerians will go into poverty by 2027.
President Tinubu is aware that he came into office in a time of economic turbulence and mass poverty, and the appointment of 48 ministers and 20 special advisers is insensitive and costly. While the populace is called upon to endure record inflation and general hardship, the President’s failure to rein in the cost of governance from the top is disappointing.
As our economic crisis deepens, 7.2 million businesses shut down in 2 years. A report by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) reveals a staggering N94 trillion loss due to multinational divestments and business closures between 2023 and 2024.
ALSO READ: Them Belly Full, But We Hungry; By Owei Lakemfa
According to Dr Segun Omisakin, NESG’s Chief Economist and Director of Research, “the economic downturn has led to the collapse of approximately 7.2 million businesses in just two years, underlining the severity of Nigeria’s economic challenges.”
With the economic squeeze, citizens struggle to cope. Since the exchange rate floatation and subsidy removals on petroleum products and electricity, Nigerians are facing skyrocketing costs for essentials like transport, healthcare, and electricity. Rising inflation and a deteriorating investment climate have further eroded purchasing power, making life unaffordable for many.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has sounded the alarm, reporting a staggering N2.14 trillion worth of unsold finished goods in 2024, citing weakened consumer demand, soaring production costs, and dwindling purchasing power.
ALSO READ: Between Danjuma, Namadi And The Gospel Of Self-Defence; By Hassan Gimba
Nigeria’s debt crisis spirals out of control. In just two years, President Ahmed Tinubu has borrowed more than his predecessors, despite not subsidizing petroleum products and electricity.
According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s public debt is projected to hit N187.8 trillion as of April 2025, encompassing both external and domestic debt. This staggering figure raises critical questions: What’s driving this massive borrowing? Where’s the money going to? Nigerians are understandably concerned, wondering why so much debt is being accumulated without the burden of subsidies.
The current administration has faced significant challenges in addressing the country’s security issues. The activities of various groups, including: bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, herdsmen and cultists, have led to increased violence and instability in many parts of the country.
ALSO READ: The Push To Advance The Participation Of Women In Politics; By Jibrin Ibrahim
States like Benue, Plateau and Zamfara have been particularly affected, with frequent attacks and killings. The recent statement by the President, advising the Governor of Plateau State to find a solution to the killings, has raised concerns about the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the security crisis. Many Nigerians are questioning the effectiveness of the administration’s approach to tackling insecurity. Only recently, a ransom was paid to rescue an army general.
The president has also in two years killed the culture of civil protest using state apparatus. He was a strident opposition voice for many years and was never against peaceful protest in those days. The culture of peaceful protest and agitation is essential aspect of democratic governance; it is only a government that has something to conceal that frowns against it.
President Tinubu is aware that he came into office in a time of economic turbulence and mass poverty, and the appointment of 48 ministers and 20 special advisers is insensitive and costly. While the populace is called upon to endure record inflation and general hardship, the President’s failure to rein in the cost of governance from the top is disappointing.
ALSO READ: How Six States Breach Nigerian Constitution, Violate Workers’ Rights On Failure To Enact Pension Laws; By Ivo Takor
The purchase of new jeeps for National Assembly members, new presidential jets, and a yacht, along with the construction of a new palace for the Vice President, have sparked widespread criticism. Many Nigerians feel that these expenditures are extravagant and contradict the administration’s supposed commitment to fiscal prudence, especially given the economic challenges being faced by the country.
These actions have raised questions about the government’s priorities and its willingness to make tough decisions to reduce costs and allocate resources more effectively. Critics argue that such spending sends the wrong message, particularly when many citizens are struggling financially.
The perception is that the administration has not done enough to convince Nigerians that these expenditures are necessary or that they align with the country’s current economic realities. This has contributed to growing discontent and scepticism about the government’s spending decisions.
As the clock ticks down to 2027, partisan politics will take centre stage, and governance will take a backseat. Development projects will stall, and the nation’s progress will slow. The scramble for power is already intensifying, with politicians from top to bottom gearing up for the next election. The next two years look ominous, and Nigerians may be in for a rough ride.
The president has also in two years killed the culture of civil protest using state apparatus. He was a strident opposition voice for many years and was never against peaceful protest in those days. The culture of peaceful protest and agitation is essential aspect of democratic governance; it is only a government that has something to conceal that frowns against it.
ALSO READ: Alternative Approaches To Oppositional Coalition In Nigeria; By Aminu Habibu Jahun
Reflection On The ‘Badenoch Metaphor’: Class, Racial-Ethnic And Confessional Identities; By Omotoye Olorode
The current administration’s focus on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway raises concerns about misplaced priorities. With internal road networks in disrepair, shouldn’t addressing these pressing issues take precedence? A well-developed and functional port in Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri, or Sapele would greatly benefit local businesses and communities.
However, the proposed coastal highway seems premature without first fixing the internal roads that connect to it. This project may become another “white elephant” that drains resources without delivering meaningful benefits. The Badagry-Sokoto road and Mambila Power Plant projects have languished for decades; let’s ensure the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway doesn’t suffer the same fate.
As the clock ticks down to 2027, partisan politics will take centre stage, and governance will take a backseat. Development projects will stall, and the nation’s progress will slow. The scramble for power is already intensifying, with politicians from top to bottom gearing up for the next election. The next two years look ominous, and Nigerians may be in for a rough ride.
