The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked its second anniversary in office on May 29.
In this report, some Nigerians gave an assessment of his administration.
His economic policies have not been masses-friendly – Prof Edward Ogunleye, lecturer EKSU; Ado-Ekiti
His economic policies have not been masses-friendly. The removal of fuel subsidy, higher electricity tariffs, devaluation of the naira, and the increase of the policy rate by the CBN have all fuelled inflation and the sluggish growth of the economy.
While monthly allocations to governments at all tiers have improved tremendously, and constituency allowances to the federal legislators have been raised considerably, Nigerians seem not to have been having the positive impacts. Moreover, the security situation and the level of corruption have not improved over that of the previous years. Hence, generally, there has not been an improvement in the standard of living in the last two years. While those policies so far implemented are seen as the bitter pills Nigerians have to swallow in order to correct the poor mismanagement of the past administrations, it appears difficult to know when the healing effects will begin to manifest.
He’s trying his best – Arimiyau Oyesiji, civil servant; Ado Ekiti
The president is trying his best to improve the nation in the last two years. But I want him to do more than his best in the coming years in the areas of security, youth employment/empowerment, infrastructure and citizens’ welfare.
He’s yet to fulfill campaign promises – Esumai Ambrose, social media influencer; Yenagoa
Nigerians are faced with the grim reality that many of the bold promises made during the campaign remain unfulfilled. While the government is committed to economic reforms, infrastructure renewal and international repositioning, we are witnessing growing economic hardship, soaring inflation, and widespread disillusionment.
A particularly painful decision has been the removal of fuel subsidies, done without a clear, phased mitigation plan. The consequence has been devastating: sharp increases in transport, food, and utility costs, with no significant relief programmes to shield the average Nigerian.
No visible deviation from past administration -Sunny Zorvah, journalist; Port Harcourt
His government isn’t different from the past. Honestly, I can’t give the Tinubu administration any pass mark. There’s no visible deviation from past administration in terms of security, economic growth, human rights, political and environmental justice. The citizens have not heaved a sigh of relief under this administration. Prices of petroleum products are still high, electricity bill and health services bills are escalating. Government officials are more powerful and operate with impunity.
He hasn’t performed – Favour Udoma, journalist; Port Harcourt
Tinubu’s administration is a failure and a disaster that ought not to have happened in a sane country. Take a look at insecurity, economic inflation, power, and agriculture. Kidnappings and banditry have escalated, with citizens paying hefty ransoms. The power sector still grapples with inefficiencies; a greater part of Port Harcourt has not had power supply since Saturday till now.
Tinubu’s administration has the largest cabinet in Nigeria’s history, with some ministers lacking visibility and impact.
He has plunged Nigeria into unprecedented poverty – Luka Binniyat, MBF; Kaduna
So far, his administration is that of hardship, fear and national despair, as the country is under the siege of terrorists. His administration has plunged Nigeria into unprecedented poverty, perpetuated the insecurity it inherited, and emboldened a culture of corruption. The naira has collapsed to an all-time low, not just in value but also in national dignity, mirroring a broader decline in the value placed on human life. His government has increased the cost of electricity by more than five-fold, compounding the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
From the Sahel in the North, through the vast savannahs and dense southern forests, to the coastal beaches, terrorist groups have carved out autonomous fiefdoms, operating with impunity.
Nigeria is now under siege—captured by pen-wielding kleptocrats, who are draining the country of its lifeblood. Two years into his presidency, the verdict is clear: a disastrous tenure marked by hardship, fear, and national despair.
It’s been two years of pain – Omobude Agho, right activist; Benin
His two years in office as president has brought more untold hardship to Nigerians than any other president that has ever ruled this country.
I will say categorically clear that the way and manner President Tinubu handled the issue of fuel subsidy has led to increase in poverty and the youths leaving the country in droves. Well, I also know that some persons would say that President Tinubu has helped clear up the $5 billion debt and at the same time, he is asking for over $21 billion loan. This characterised the situation as regressive.
He should be commended- Eugene Utubor; politician; Benin
The president should be commended for supporting local government autonomy. The fuel subsidy removal should be commended because that money was going into private individuals account, but now, you can see the impact of the removal everywhere and the money is no longer falling into the hands of a few persons again.
With the granting of local government autonomy, now, council chairmen can grade and tar roads, build community markets and schools, because their monies now flow directly from the federal account to the local government.
More so, the various state governments now also have enough money to carry out their projects. The issue of insecurity has reduced, and there are lots of infrastructural developments across the 36 states and the FCT.
Tinubu has done well – Peters Ichull, foreign affairs analyst; Abuja.
I will give Tinubu a pass mark despite the economic meltdown under him. The real problem is that Tinubu had to deal with a bad foundation that was already deep, making the system dysfunctional. The next phase will be the consolidation on his framework. His administration has implemented reforms aimed at rejuvenating the economy, including diversification; reducing reliance on oil and promoting other sectors, like agriculture and manufacturing, infrastructure enhancement; improving the business environment and investing in infrastructure. Also commendable is his anti-corruption efforts; addressing corruption and inefficiencies in public institutions.
He has tried, but failed to tackle insecurity – Jesse Abende, a civil servant; Makurdi
President Tinubu has done a lot in several aspects of the economy, but nevertheless, public opinion shows that in the area of security, he has not performed at all. Across the country, you hear of herdsmen killing people, terrorists and bandits killing and kidnapping people and security is one of the greatest indices that bring development to a country.
When a country is insecure, every other thing stands still. So we call President Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, stop herdsmen from killing Nigerians. That is what will first configure our minds to begin to look at every other thing he is doing. You cannot assess someone fairly when you are not safe. My life depends on the peace I have.
He scored below pass mark – Emmanuel Olorunmagba, cleric; Kaduna
My assessment of his administration is simply far below the pass mark. The level of economy downturn in the past two years cannot be scientifically explained. I compare Nigeria to a computer that when it was handed over to former President Buhari, he pressed control-spoil. And Buhari handed over to President Tinubu, he immediately pressed control-destroy.
From the very moment Buhari handed over to Tinubu, his first statement that “subsidy is gone!” immediately resulted in a tremendous economy nosedive. Our naira on free fall, PMS pumping price rose to over N1, 000 per litre, food and other essential commodities rose above the ordinary citizens. The prices of everything tremendously skyrocketed.
People can no longer afford three square meals; even two square meals of manageable food have become a luxury. Many car owners can no longer use their cars. Life became more unbearable to the extent that citizen’s life expectancy has been going down. The number of young people suddenly collapsing and dying, as well as young people committing suicide is on the rise. Obviously, this administration has brought more woes on Nigerians than any administration or regime in the history of Nigeria.