By Gidado Ibrahim
It’s no longer news that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held his first presidential media chat; what’s news however is the significant discussions it has elicited. As it were, many Nigerians have weighed in on his responses to pressing national issues. The chat which was highly anticipated, provided an opportunity for the president to address concerns and provide clarity on his administration’s policies.
Tinubu defended his decision to remove fuel subsidies, stating that Nigeria cannot continue to subsidise fuel for the entire West Africa sub-region. He argued that the removal of fuel subsidy has increased competition in the sector and led to a gradual decrease in pump prices. Though, cynics argue that removal of fuel subsidy has led to skyrocketing fuel prices, exacerbating the woes of Nigerians already struggling with poverty and inflation.
The president’s response to questions on tax reforms was also noteworthy. He stated that the reforms are necessary to eliminate the influence of colonial rule on Nigeria’s economy. Despite opposition to the tax reforms, Tinubu expressed confidence in their ability to drive economic growth. He emphasised that the reforms are designed to promote fairness and equity in the tax system, ensuring that all Nigerians contribute their fair share.
President Tinubu also addressed concerns about his government’s borrowing appetite, arguing that borrowing for infrastructure development is not a crime. He pointed out that many developed countries have borrowed heavily to finance infrastructure projects, which have in turn driven economic growth.
On security, Tinubu expressed confidence in his administration’s security architecture, stating that the country is moving forward despite criticisms from some quarters. He highlighted his government’s efforts to improve infrastructure, including roads and transportation.
The president’s response to questions on corruption was also telling. He stated that his administration is committed to fighting corruption, but acknowledged that the problem is deeply ingrained in Nigerian society. He emphasised the need for a collaborative approach to tackling corruption, involving not just the government but also civil society and the private sector.
However, the opposition figures have been quick to criticise the president’s maiden media chat, with some labeling it as “disappointing” and “out of touch” with the realities of ordinary Nigerians. It’s worth noting that these criticisms are not unexpected, given the opposition’s role in holding the government accountable. Nevertheless, President Tinubu’s supporters argue that the media chat demonstrated his willingness to engage with Nigerians and provide clarity on his administration’s policies.
The opposition’s inability to present a credible alternative to President Tinubu’s vision has left them struggling to gain traction with the Nigerian people.
I would advice Nigerians to stop dissipating energy on members of opposition groups. They lack credible ideas and prioritising personal gain over the nation’s development. Rather than presenting alternative visions for the country’s progress, they seem more focused on enriching themselves. This dearth of innovative thinking and people-centered aspirations makes them ill-equipped to challenge President Tinubu’s administration.
Their criticism of the president appears to be more of a facade, as they struggle to articulate coherent policies or solutions to Nigeria’s challenges. In contrast, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated a commitment to driving economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the overall well-being of Nigerians.
Nigerians are indeed praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his impressive grasp of national issues, as evident in his recent media interactions. Unlike his predecessors, who seemed hesitant to address Nigerians directly through the media, Tinubu has demonstrated a willingness to engage with the public and provide clarity on his administration’s policies.
The president’s eight-point agenda, which focuses on areas such as agriculture, education, economic empowerment, health, and social investment, has also received praise for its potential to create wealth and equal opportunities for Nigerians. This agenda is seen as a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians and promoting sustainable development.
To this end, Nigerians are optimistic about Tinubu’s leadership and his ability to drive positive change in the country. His willingness to engage with the public and provide clarity on his administration’s policies has been particularly well-received, and many are hopeful that this marks a new era of transparency and accountability in governance.
The President has indeed laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s socioeconomic progress, and it’s heartening to see his administration taking concrete steps towards driving innovation and technological advancement. The planned establishment of the National Research and Innovation Council and the National Research Fund will coordinate and fund research addressing the country’s socioeconomic priorities.
This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s 2022 Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy and is backed by President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda. The council and fund are expected to foster knowledge-driven growth in areas such as economic development and infrastructure.
To ensure the success of these initiatives, it’s crucial for Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu’s vision and provide their support. Time is also essential for these plans to mature and yield tangible results.
By adopting new technologies and innovative solutions, Nigerians can drive progress in critical areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Constructive discussions and feedback on the government’s initiatives can also help shape policies and programs that benefit the nation. Furthermore, promoting a culture of research and innovation can help Nigeria stay competitive in the global economy.
As Nigerians come together to support President Tinubu’s vision, the country can look forward to a brighter future marked by socio-economic progress and technological advancement. With patience, perseverance, and collective effort, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and achieve its full potential.
The rehabilitation and reactivation of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries are indeed significant milestones in Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency and economic growth under Tinubu. After years of dormancy, the Port Harcourt refinery’s return to operation has already begun to yield positive results, and the Warri refinery’s recent comeback is expected to further boost the country’s refining capacity and reduce price of fuel.
The impact of these refineries’ operations will be felt across various sectors of the economy. For one, the increased refining capacity will reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, thereby conserving foreign exchange and easing pressure on the naira. This, in turn, will help stabilize the economy and create a more favorable business environment.
Furthermore, the refineries’ operations will create jobs, both directly and indirectly, and stimulate economic activity in the surrounding communities. The increased availability of refined petroleum products will also have a positive impact on the transportation sector, as well as other industries that rely on these products.
Perhaps most importantly, the successful rehabilitation and operation of these refineries demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to revamping the country’s energy infrastructure and promoting economic growth. As the refineries continue to operate at optimal levels, Nigerians can expect to see tangible improvements in their standard of living.
President Tinubu’s administration has indeed set ambitious goals for Nigeria’s development, and it’s unrealistic to expect everything to be accomplished within a short span of two years. The Renewed Hope Administration’s reforms, although painful in the short term, are aimed at long-term economic prosperity.
It’s understandable that Nigerians are eager to see tangible improvements in their lives, but patience is essential in this context. The administration’s focus on structural reforms, economic diversification, and infrastructure development will likely yield positive results in the long run.
Overall, Tinubu’s presidential media chat has highlighted the significant challenges facing his administration, from economic reforms to security and infrastructure development. While the president has expressed confidence in his policies and vision for Nigeria, many Nigerians are calling for converted and consistent actions, which is crucial in determining the success of his administration in 2025.
Nigerians have been let down by past leaders, leading to a trust deficit in the government. Instead of dwelling in past leadership failure, they should ask questions about the huge federal allocations received by state governors. I’m very much aware that some elected local government chairmen and councilors are yet to receive their salaries and allowances.
Palliatives and trucks of fertilizers donated to states to ease the plight of vulnerable Nigerians and assist farmers in food production have suddenly disappeared with no trace. Some top officials were even indicted for diverting the items, repackaging them and sell in the open market. Yet, the same states are joining the opposition to politically blame the federal government. This is ridiculous.
The truth however remains that President Tinubu is winning in silence, gradually transforming the nation into Nigeria if our dream butbthe political losers think he is failing. It’s crucial to give the current administration the time and space to implement its policies and programs. By doing so, Nigerians can hope for a brighter future, characterised by economic growth, improved living standards, and a more stable polity.
God bless Nigeria!