Tinubu’s first Independence and 100 Days in office: A comprehensive evaluation of achievements, shortcomings

Friday Omosola Featured 01/10/2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, amidst bustling rallies nationwide, passionately addressed the eager masses, presenting his agenda to those who had endured various hardships and insecurity.

In a video clip retrieved from News Round The Clock (NRTC), Tinubu projected himself as a visionary leader, one Nigerians looked to as their potential savior. He pledged to usher the nation towards heightened economic stability, promising to reallocate resources to crucial infrastructure and social programmes if elected.

Nigerians listened attentively, their hopes for a brighter future hinging on Tinubu’s every word. However, their aspirations were shattered when he assumed office, as his administration shockingly announced the immediate removal of fuel subsidies.

NRTC reports indicate that overnight, fuel prices surged dramatically, sending shockwaves across the nation. What was initially pitched as an economic reform now loomed as the stark truth of heightened living expenses, exorbitant transportation costs, and a pervasive sense of adversity.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari handing over to President Tinubu in Abuja. Source: NRTC Library.

The formerly hopeful citizens of Nigeria found themselves disheartened and let down, as they had placed their faith in a leader promising a brighter future, only to face the grim reality of economic adversity. The elimination of fuel subsidies set off a chain reaction, affecting everything from the cost of groceries to essential utilities.

With each passing day, the public outcry grew louder, leaving Nigerians to ponder whether the anticipated change would ever materialize.

100 days in office symbolize a decade of hardship

The NRTC investigation revealed that despite President Tinubu’s tenure being only halfway through, his administration has failed to effectively tackle crucial economic and social issues, resulting in significant hardships for Nigerians.

In Nigeria, the quality of life is closely linked to the accessibility and cost of fuel. From powering generators to fueling vehicles in bustling cities, fuel serves as a lifeline for everyday activities.

The elimination of fuel subsidies, as officially announced by the President has had a profound ripple effect on the prices of goods and services. This has resulted in a significant impact on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, giving rise to ongoing inflation, elevated unemployment rates, and a scarcity of job prospects.

Numerous Nigerians are grappling with financial instability, as the rising cost of living continues to place a heavy burden on their ability to meet even the most basic of necessities.

Additionally, the persistent issues of frequent power outages and fuel shortages have disrupted daily life, profoundly affecting businesses, transportation, and essential services. This situation has forced citizens to resort to costly alternatives for power generation and transportation, further exacerbating their financial challenges.

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NRTC discovered that Tinubu made commitments to tackle the healthcare system’s shortcomings and the issue of doctors emigrating abroad for better opportunities. However, despite these promises, insufficient investment in the healthcare sector persisted, leading to restricted access to high-quality medical services, thereby exposing citizens to health emergencies.

Tragically, numerous lives were lost because of a shortage of skilled medical professionals, while the expense of healthcare soared, rendering it unaffordable for those seeking treatment at private healthcare facilities.

Tinubu during his rallies. Source: NRTC Library.

During the President’s first 100 days in office, the administration fell short in addressing pressing security concerns, leading to a rise in crime rates and conflicts, which left the population anxious and uncertain. Particularly concerning was the potential threat to the Northern region, where former President Muhammadu Buhari hailed from.

Additionally, Tinubu’s initial hundred days in office failed to tackle the issue of inadequate funding for education, which could adversely affect the quality of schools and hinder access to quality education. The increase in tuition fees at major universities posed significant challenges for students pursuing higher education and essential skills.

Furthermore, infrastructure deficiencies became apparent during this period, resulting in unreliable public services, such as transportation and water supply, negatively impacting daily life and economic productivity.

Corruption and governance issues remained a significant concern, as some former governors and political officeholders with a history of corruption were appointed as ministers, raising questions about transparency and accountability in governance. Such issues could hinder economic growth and development and erode trust in public institutions.

Addressing these challenges is imperative for any administration seeking to prioritize the welfare of its citizens and ensure a prosperous future.

At the time of this report, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), along with other labor unions, have announced plans for an indefinite strike starting on Tuesday, October 3rd. This strike symbolizes the significant economic challenges that Nigerians are enduring during Tinubu’s administration, highlighting the prevailing poverty.

What has the President done or achieved?

While acknowledging the imperfections that significantly impacted Tinubu’s hundred days in office, it’s essential to recognize his achievements and successes. During his two weeks in office, he assented to four bills along with other economic reforms.

The bills are: Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (fifth alteration) (No.37), 2023, Electricity Act, Data Protection law, Access to Higher Education Act and others.

Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima. Source: NRTC Library

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (fifth alteration) (No.37) standardized the retirement age for judges at 70 years and ensured uniformity in the pension rights of judicial officers from various superior courts while the electricity act grant states companies, and individuals the authority to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity.

NRTC found out that the new law was aimed at establishing a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for a competitive electricity market, improving access to electricity, and promoting the use of renewable energy.

The third law on education facilitated financial assistance to Nigerian students in tertiary institutions in which students can access interest-free loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

It will be from September with eligibility based on the student’s or family’s annual income being less than N500,000.

Meanwhile, the data protection law establishes the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and empowers individuals to seek redress in the event of a data breach, emphasizing the fair, lawful, and accountable processing of citizens’ personal data.

Apart from bill assent, Tinubu has actively pursued investors worldwide to encourage them to invest in Nigeria, with the aim of rejuvenating the economy, which is currently facing setbacks. He has implemented various strategies, including interventions in the foreign exchange market, import restrictions, and currency controls, to tackle the dominance of the US Dollar (USD) over the Nigerian Naira (NGN), which has significantly impacted Nigeria’s economy.

While these measures serve as short-term solutions, they may not effectively address the underlying issues contributing to the Naira’s weakness. Sustainable solutions necessitate a focus on economic diversification, enhancement of domestic production capabilities, attraction of foreign direct investment, and the maintenance of fiscal discipline.

By addressing these fundamental issues, Nigeria can achieve exchange rate stability, reduce its dependence on imports, and establish a more robust and resilient economy that is less vulnerable to fluctuations in the value of the US Dollar.

To enhance grassroots development, he established an Infrastructure Support Fund, providing states with funds to invest in critical areas. Additionally, states have received financial aid to combat the impact of rising food and other commodity prices.

To bolster the economy and reduce transportation costs, a new era of public transportation has been initiated. This involves the widespread deployment of affordable and safe Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses throughout the nation. These buses will operate at a fraction of current fuel prices, leading to lower transport fares.

Furthermore, a Committee on Tax Reforms has been inaugurated to enhance the efficiency of tax administration and address unfair fiscal policies that impede the business environment and economic growth.

In response to persistent conflicts between farmers and herders, a committee was established to reform the livestock industry. This initiative was prompted by a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria during the previous administration.

NRTC’s departing message to Nigerians is a call to prioritize which aspects the president should focus on, given the anticipated rise in the cost of governance under Tinubu’s administration, and what specific actions they expect him to take.