Tinubu’s reforms have produced progress, challenges – Group

The Forward Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Independent Campaign Group has highlighted economic reforms, infrastructure development, education, housing, agriculture and security as key areas of progress under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The group made the submission at a press conference held on Saturday at New Kebbi Hotel, Abuja, where it reviewed the administration’s reform agenda and political engagement.

In a statement signed by its Director-General, Dr Sadiq Yusuf, the group also highlighted the role of Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, describing him as a “strategic bridge builder” within the administration’s political structure.

According to Yusuf, the administration’s removal of the petrol subsidy and foreign exchange reforms were introduced in response to fiscal pressures, exchange-rate distortions, rising debt-servicing costs and declining government revenues.

He said the government had subsequently pursued tax and revenue reforms, financial-sector reforms and measures aimed at improving investor confidence and increasing fiscal capacity for states and local governments.

On infrastructure, Yusuf said more than 2,700 kilometres of highways and major roads were under construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road and East-West Road.

He also cited developments in the oil and gas sector, domestic refining, agriculture, housing, healthcare and digital skills as other areas of government intervention.

Yusuf said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund had benefited more than 1.5 million students, with disbursements exceeding ₦282 billion, based on figures contained in Tinubu’s May 2026 anniversary address.

He added that more than 10,000 housing units were being delivered across 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.

On security, the group acknowledged that challenges remained despite ongoing military and security operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities.

The group also said Masari’s appointment as Special Adviser on Political Affairs in March 2026 placed him within the Presidency’s political advisory structure at a time when government reforms required engagement with stakeholders across the country.

It said political advisers had an important role in facilitating communication between government institutions and various communities, particularly during periods of major economic reforms.

However, the group acknowledged that significant challenges remained, including the cost of living, food affordability, unemployment, insecurity, electricity supply, healthcare access, infrastructure maintenance, educational quality and poverty.

Yusuf said the benefits of economic reforms needed to translate more directly into improved living conditions for Nigerians.

The group said the press conference was intended to provide Nigerians with information on the administration’s policies and programmes while allowing them to form their own views about the country’s direction.