President Tinubu's Administration: Reform, Hardship and the Growing Anger of Nigerians

By Sunday Unekwuojo Samson

Three years into the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, many Nigerians continue to ask a difficult question: Why has life become increasingly difficult despite promises of economic recovery and renewed hope?

Official portrait of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 

Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has implemented some of the most significant economic reforms in Nigeria's recent history. The immediate removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalization of the foreign exchange market were presented as necessary measures to rescue the economy from years of structural weaknesses. International financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have acknowledged that these reforms have improved macroeconomic stability and strengthened investor confidence. However, for millions of ordinary Nigerians, the daily reality remains one of hardship, rising costs, and uncertainty.

The removal of fuel subsidy triggered a sharp increase in transportation costs, food prices, and the cost of doing business. Inflation surged, making basic necessities increasingly unaffordable for many households. While recent data suggests inflation has moderated from its peak, the cost of living remains significantly higher than before the reforms were introduced. The World Bank estimates that millions of additional Nigerians have fallen into poverty amid persistent inflation and economic pressures.

Security remains another major concern. Across different regions of the country, Nigerians continue to face challenges ranging from banditry and kidnappings to insurgency and communal conflicts. Although the government maintains that security operations have intensified and progress has been made, reports from international organizations and independent observers indicate that insecurity continues to affect communities, agricultural production, and economic activities.

Perhaps one of the most controversial issues surrounding the administration is borrowing. Critics argue that one of the major justifications for removing fuel subsidy was to free resources and reduce fiscal pressure on the government. Yet, despite subsidy removal, the federal government has continued to seek both domestic and external financing for various projects and budgetary needs. Opposition parties, economists, and civil society groups have questioned whether Nigerians are seeing sufficient benefits from these borrowings.

Supporters of the administration present a different perspective. They argue that Nigeria inherited deep economic challenges, including unsustainable subsidy payments, foreign exchange distortions, and declining investor confidence. According to the IMF, reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration have improved fiscal stability, strengthened foreign reserves, and enhanced the country's resilience against external economic shocks. Economic growth has remained positive, and government revenues have improved.

However, many Nigerians remain unconvinced. Their argument is straightforward: economic indicators mean little if they do not translate into better living conditions. The average citizen judges government performance through the affordability of food, the availability of jobs, access to healthcare, and personal security. On these measures, many citizens believe that progress has been too slow and the burden of reform has fallen disproportionately on ordinary people.

The central challenge facing President Tinubu's administration is therefore not merely proving that reforms are economically sound. It is demonstrating that those reforms can produce tangible benefits for citizens within a reasonable timeframe. Without visible improvements in living standards, public frustration is likely to continue growing regardless of positive macroeconomic statistics.

As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, the debate over President Tinubu's legacy will likely intensify. Supporters will point to fiscal reforms, improved revenue, and increased investor confidence. Critics will point to hardship, insecurity, inflation, and continued borrowing. Ultimately, history will judge the administration not only by the reforms it implemented but by whether those reforms improved the lives of ordinary Nigerians.