It’s perfectly okay not to love President Bola Tinubu or even to claim he’s not your president everyone is entitled to their opinion. But let’s take a moment to be honest with ourselves: can we really say, after reading about his policies and reforms, that President Tinubu isn't intelligent or that he doesn't understand the real problems Nigerians are facing a lot.
For the first time in a long while, we have a president who genuinely sees and understands the struggles of the average Nigerian. Yes, things are tough. No one is denying that. But it’s important to look at where we’ve come from and, more importantly, where we are heading.
In the past, Nigeria had a system that drained the country dry. We borrowed money just to subsidize fuel, and the narrative was that this subsidy would benefit the poor. But let's take a step back and ask: who really benefited from this subsidy,The answer is clear the rich, the big corporations, the elites.
Meanwhile, the very Nigerians the subsidy was meant to help the poor continued to struggle, paying higher prices for everyday goods and services. The subsidy money, instead of reaching those in need, lined the pockets of the wealthy.
President Tinubu made the bold decision to remove the fuel subsidy, and I won’t lie it hurt. The immediate impact of the removal made life harder for everyone. Gas prices surged, and many felt the strain. But here’s the real truth: that money is no longer being funneled into the pockets of the rich. Instead, it’s now being reinvested in critical national projects that will benefit every Nigerian in the long term.
Think of it roads, railways, electricity, and job creation. These are not short term fixes, these are long term investments that will elevate the lives of all Nigerians. Yes, the pain is real today, but the payoff will be even bigger in the years to come.
Another significant reform is in the area of taxation. Previously, only a few states like Lagos, Rivers, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and a handful of others received the lion's share of VAT revenue. But now, President Tinubu’s tax reforms are ensuring a more equitable distribution. More states will now have access to VAT revenue, which means more opportunities for every region in Nigeria to grow and develop. This is how you build a balanced and united nation.
One of the more controversial reforms has been the unification of exchange rates. YES, it caused an initial shock to the economy, with many feeling the immediate effects. But, let’s be clear, this reform is crucial. It’s attracting foreign investment, and most importantly, it’s addressing the corruption that has plagued the forex market for years. While the short term pain is obvious, the long term benefits for the Nigerian economy cannot be ignored.
President Tinubu’s administration is also focused on sectors that are vital for Nigeria’s future, including agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. These are the sectors that will reduce our dependency on imports, create jobs, and foster sustainable economic growth. By addressing these core areas, the president is laying the groundwork for a more self sufficient and resilient Nigeria.
I understand the frustrations. I know prices are high. I know life is hard. But change is always difficult in the beginning. No great nation was ever built without sacrifice.
This is the cost of breaking free from systems that have held us back for decades. Yes, it’s painful now, but this is the price we must pay to create a country that can truly stand on its own feet, free from the shackles of the past.
You don’t have to like President Tinubu. You don’t have to agree with every policy. That’s completely fine. But let’s at least acknowledge that these are the reforms Nigeria has needed for years. These changes, though painful in the short term, are laying the foundation for a better future.
The journey is not easy, and the road ahead is long. But with patience and focus, we can get through the discomfort and come out stronger on the other side. The groundwork is being set, and while the immediate effects may not be comfortable, the potential benefits far outweigh the current challenges.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate that Nigeria is finally taking the tough steps it needs to move forward steps that, if sustained, will lead to a stronger, more prosperous nation for generations to come.