It may have surprised many that a leading Nigerian newspaper chose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its Man of the Year, particularly after the widespread economic challenges that marked 2024. These challenges were largely tied to the administration’s bold reforms, which, while controversial, were designed to set Nigeria on a path of long-term stability. Nevertheless, the editors of ThisDay deemed Tinubu’s resilience and determination to implement these tough but necessary reforms worthy of recognition. For some, this decision was unexpected. In a nation still healing from a fiercely contested election, it is natural that divergent opinions about the President’s popularity persist. Yet, the undeniable fact remains: Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the President, entrusted with the mandate to govern Nigeria until 2027 and the leadership responsibility in this regard includes taking tough decisions to reverse the accumulated effects caused by many years of apathetic governance.
The ThisDay group of editors, in their wisdom, believes that Tinubu’s resilience and determination to implement the tough reforms are more than enough reasons to justify his emergence. But for some unrelenting critics, it was simply an unimaginable choice. In a country where many are still wailing over the outcome of a keenly contested election, it is understandable if some persons still prefer to see the President as being unpopular and, probably, unqualified to be called their president. But all these are within the realm of political postulations. The reality today is that, good or bad, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the one with the official mandate saddled with the responsibility to lead Nigeria till another general election takes place. In the meantime, what Tinubu does with that mandate especially as it relates to improving the standards of living of Nigerians should be of major concern to everyone regardless of political affiliations. This, I must stress from the beginning, is not really about whether anyone likes the President’s face or not. It is more about the collective will to make Nigeria a better place after all the intriguing political brickbats that defined the 2023. Understandably, the daggers remain unshielded in the do-or-die politics that we play here. But then, there should come a time when the country should move on and the focus should be on the winner’s policies and how they impact on the people.
How the President utilises his mandate, particularly in advancing economic growth and improving the lives of Nigerians, should be the primary focus for all, regardless of political differences.
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This conversation transcends partisan allegiances or personal preferences for the President. It revolves around the collective need to chart a brighter course for Nigeria after the heated political debates of 2023, culminating in the Supreme Court’s verdict. While the lingering political tensions are understandable, the time has come to prioritise governance and its impact on citizens over lingering electoral disputes.
And so, President Tinubu’s policies deserve careful evaluation, especially considering his willingness to take full responsibility for his administration’s decisions. In his recent media chat, Tinubu candidly displayed a sense of accountability and forthrightness, explaining the rationale behind the administration’s policy choices. He likened the discomfort arising from these reforms to the labour pains of childbirth, asserting that these challenges are a precursor to better times ahead. ThisDay aptly summarised his approach: “Tinubu has proven to be a bold and determined leader, willing to embrace unpopular reforms based on his convictions rather than pandering to sentiment.”
Among Tinubu’s most significant economic moves was the removal of the fuel subsidy, a policy decision rooted in legislation enacted by the Ninth National Assembly during the Buhari administration. Managing the consequences of this policy has been one of Tinubu’s most challenging tasks. Additionally, the decision to float the Naira to allow market-driven stability, while difficult, was aimed at strengthening the economy in the long run. Both policies were bold steps taken to address Nigeria’s pressing economic realities; indeed, no short cut can prove feasible in the face of our reality today.
In his New Year message, President Tinubu laid out an ambitious economic agenda for 2025, focusing on critical reforms aimed at fostering growth. Central to this vision is reducing inflation from 34.6% to 15% by boosting food production, encouraging local manufacturing, and promoting domestic production of medical supplies. These measures are expected to ease the cost of living for Nigerian households. Furthermore, the administration plans to enhance credit access through the National Credit Guarantee Company, which will provide risk-sharing mechanisms to support financial institutions and stimulate economic activity.
The President also reiterated his commitment to building on the foundation of his Renewed Hope Agenda, targeting sustainable prosperity. His vision for a $1 trillion economy involves policies aimed at achieving economic stability through trade surpluses, strengthening foreign reserves, and stabilizing the naira. Tinubu’s agenda emphasizes youth empowerment, inclusion, and a pro-poor tax reform designed to alleviate tax burdens while increasing state revenue.
While these economic plans are ambitious, they also reflect a deep understanding of Nigeria’s challenges and opportunities. The administration’s focus on reforms highlights its determination to create a more resilient and inclusive economy.
However, achieving these goals will require effective implementation and continuous engagements with stakeholders who need to rapidly get acquainted with the pragmatic adjustments required in this season of enduring changes.
It is also important to recognise alternative perspectives, such as those expressed by opposition figures like Peter Obi. In his New Year message, Obi raised concerns about pressing national issues, including food insecurity, energy supply challenges, and rising national debt.
So what were those questions Obi raised? He raised a few posers. For example, is it true that Nigeria is passing through a worsening food insecurity crisis as many can hardly feed themselves? Was Obi right when he said no answer has been found for the perennial issue of inadequate energy supply with frequent grid collapse? Is corruption still having that larger than life image in our system? Is it true that we now have a skyrocketing national debt of over N100 trillion from about N15 trillion in 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari took over the mantle of governance? Are Nigerians more secured now than they were in May 29, 2023? Should we take Obi seriously when he said Nigeria and its fortunes are in clear reverse? Is it true that over 100 million Nigerians are living in extreme poverty while more than 150 million citizens are living in multidimensional poverty? And can it be true that the newly approved minimum wage of N70,000 cannot buy a bag of rice?
While these critiques underscore the need for vigilance, they also serve as a reminder of the importance of fostering constructive dialogue and addressing valid concerns. Nonetheless, it must be stated that these challenges identified by Obi emanate from many years of inadequate official effectiveness. No one should run away from this reality of a failed leadership structure that has impoverished many Nigerians. Fortunately, Tinubu said he has come to change that narrative and it requires taking tough, hard and gritty decisions in policy and governance.
In journalism, facts remain sacred while opinions are free. It is essential for the government to balance its optimistic outlook with responsiveness to the lived experiences of Nigerians. Constructive criticism, when taken in good faith, can help strengthen governance and ensure that reforms are inclusive and impactful.
President Tinubu’s leadership has been marked by boldness and resilience, qualities that are essential in addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges. While some sectors have shown signs of positive change, many Nigerians are eager to see these benefits reflected more broadly in their daily lives. Striking this balance will be critical in ensuring that the government’s policies achieve their intended impact.
Ultimately, Tinubu’s ability to translate his vision into tangible progress will define his Presidency. His designation as ThisDay’s Man of the Year underscores the high expectations placed on him as a leader at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history. As the nation trails Tinubu’s economic agenda into 2025, the hope is that his reforms will pave the way for a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria. That, to my mind, is what the Renewal Hope mantra should be all about as we trudge on again in 2025.