By Aliyu Mohammed Ibrahim,
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu navigates Nigeria’s mounting economic and socio-political challenges, public expectations remain high. Nigerians are calling for visible, verifiable change, not just renewed hope. At the heart of these demands lies a question: Can Tinubu move beyond promises to deliver measurable progress where his predecessors stumbled?
Tinubu, a seasoned political actor with a legacy of reformist governance in Lagos State, rode to power on the back of strategic alliances, political resilience, and promises of national rejuvenation. His “Renewed Hope” agenda sought to rekindle public optimism, but for a population reeling from economic stagnation, insecurity, and chronic infrastructural decay, optimism without implementation rings hollow.
Subsidy Removal: A Bold But Incomplete Move
One of Tinubu’s most defining early policy decisions, the abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy, was hailed by some economists as fiscally necessary. Yet, the lack of a corresponding reinvestment framework raised concerns. In other jurisdictions, subsidy savings have been redirected to mass transit systems, healthcare, and education, ensuring citizens benefit directly from the shift. In Nigeria, however, the policy has so far resulted in surging transport and food costs, with no clear investment in critical infrastructure to cushion the blow.
Historical Context: A Chronicle of Unfulfilled Promises
Nigerians’ so-called “lofty” aspirations are grounded in decades of broken promises. The expectations for competent leadership, fiscal responsibility, and youth employment stem from lived realities under successive administrations.
For instance, President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007) helped restore democratic governance, secured foreign debt relief, and liberalized telecommunications, but his era was marred by corruption scandals and political strong-arming.
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007–2010) brought a calm, consultative approach to leadership. His tenure introduced the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme and a seven-point agenda, though execution was hampered by ill health.
Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015) oversaw the rebasing of Nigeria’s GDP and benefited from an oil boom. However, his administration struggled with insecurity, notably Boko Haram’s rise, and was plagued by allegations of large-scale corruption.
Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023) promised anti-corruption and national security reforms. Despite initial public goodwill, his administration concluded under worsening inflation, youth unemployment, rising debt, and increased insecurity. Critics faulted him for reactive policies and a sluggish economy.
Tinubu’s Unique Burden
Unlike his predecessors, Tinubu faces an electorate that is younger, more politically engaged, and less tolerant of inefficiency. With over 60% of Nigerians under 30, the demand for reform is immediate and unrelenting. This generation expects not only rhetoric, but delivery: jobs, stable power, healthcare, digital innovation, and institutional accountability.
To meet these demands, Tinubu must prioritize: Data-driven economic policies; Decentralization of governance to empower states; Human capital investment in education and health; A modernized, inclusive security structure; Transparency and a reduction in governmental excess
Failure to reinvest fuel subsidy savings into these areas would compound public frustration and erode trust.
The Road Ahead
Tinubu must move swiftly to institutionalize meritocracy, revamp anti-corruption agencies, and rebuild public confidence in governance. His success will not be judged by intentions but by implementation. Can he rise to the moment and break the cycle of underperformance, or will he, too, be remembered as another missed opportunity?
As history casts its long shadow, President Tinubu’s leadership stands on trial, not in courtrooms, but in the lived realities of everyday Nigerians.
Ibrahim FIBDFM, FIMC, is a PhD student in Peace and Conflict Studies, Federal University Lokoja. He can be reached via alimmed2014@gmail.com, or 08038853350.
