Economy

By Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani

The recent directive allegedly from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) requiring the 774 local governments to present their budget proposals for the 2025 fiscal year has sparked renewed interest in local government autonomy. This development has been a long time coming, given the prolonged agitation for systemic changes in local government administration.

A 20-year-old university student is surprised that local governments in Nigeria prepared budgets highlight the widespread lack of awareness about local government operations perhaps because of the reality that local governments barely exist on paper in my states.

The student asked, “Do local governments actually create budgets?” I explained that, like every tier of government or organization, they are meant to do so. However, his curiosity clearly illustrates the uncertainty surrounding the local government autonomy in Nigeria.

After the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in favor of the local governments in Nigeria on July 11, 2024, we thought it was over. The seven-justice panel of the apex court in the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, ruled that the 774 local government councils in the country should independently manage their own funds: millions of Nigerians thought the long wait for autonomy was finally over. However, the journey to true autonomy is often complex and winding as the history of the struggle for autonomy for this essential tier of government has shown.

With the recent directive that led to budget presentations across the 774 local governments for the 2025 fiscal year, this brought fresh perspective on the agitation and revitalised interest in local government autonomy. But will this directive translate into tangible action, or will it remain a mere rhetoric as with many critical issues in Nigeria? Nigeria’s history of struggling with local government autonomy, coupled with the stiff resistance from state governments, raise concerns about the feasibility of a true autonomy.

The Nigerian Constitution recognizes local government as a tier of government, but they remain restricted by financial and electoral constraints. Local governments are expected to provide basic services, promote development and ensure democratic participation. However, their lack of autonomy and financial power has hindered their ability to fulfill these responsibilities.

Nigeria’s experiment with various local government administration models despite so many reforms from the local government reforms of 1976, 1988 and the one embarked upon in this current dispensation, had been marked by a decline in autonomy, particularly since 2003. The state governments’ interference in local government affairs has eroded and degraded their powers and functions.

As someone who has advocated for financial and electoral autonomy for local government councils for so many years, I believe that it is crucial for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, socio-economic issues, and building other sectors that require government’s attention at the grassroots level. The lack of autonomy has led to a power vacuum, allowing non-state actors to exert their influence.

Nigerians await the implementation of any meaningful reform that can transform local government administration and bring about positive changes. The question remains: is Nigeria truly ready to empower local governments and bring relief to the millions of rural dwellers who have been neglected for far too long?

For decades, local governments in Nigeria have been suffocated by lack of funds, rendering them ineffective in initiating or implementing meaningful projects. The joint account system, introduced years ago, has been a subject of controversy, with experts arguing that it undermines true federalism and hampers local government autonomy.

The current state of local government administration in Nigeria is a far cry from the intended vision. The 1999 Constitution, as amended, recognises local governments as a tier of government, but sadly this merely exists on paper today.

There is ample evidence to support the agitation for local government autonomy. It is a necessary step towards addressing societal ills and promoting grassroots development. Another question on everyone’s mind is: what is next?

Will the recent directive be a mere rhetoric, or will it translate into concrete action? Is Nigeria truly ready to empower local governments and bring relief to the millions of Nigerians who have been neglected for too long?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the status quo is unsustainable. Nigerians await with bated breath the implementation of meaningful reforms that can revamp local government administration and bring about development.

As someone who has consistently advocated for financial and electoral autonomy for local government councils, I remain hopeful that this latest development will mark a turning point in Nigeria’s journey towards true federalism and grassroots development. For local government autonomy and administration generally in Nigeria, I ask again what next?

Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani wrote from Turaki B, Jalingo, Taraba State.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to revitalizing the livestock sector. He recognizes its immense potential to drive economic growth, enhance food security, and improve the livelihoods of farmers and herders. Through strategic policies and targeted initiatives, his administration has made significant strides in modernizing livestock farming, addressing long-standing challenges, and fostering sustainable development.

Key Initiatives and Achievements: Implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP)  

Under Governor Fintiri’s leadership, Adamawa State has emerged as a key player in implementing the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), a federal initiative designed to resolve farmer-herder conflicts and promote sustainable livestock practices. In December 2023, the governor inaugurated the Pilot Ranch Project at the Gongoshi Grazing Reserve. This flagship project aims to modernize livestock farming by providing a controlled breeding, grazing, and disease management environment, setting a benchmark for other states.

Rehabilitation and Development of Grazing Reserves: The administration has prioritized the rehabilitation and development of grazing reserves across the state. These reserves have critical infrastructure, including water sources, veterinary services, and access roads, creating a conducive environment for livestock farming. The Gongoshi Grazing Reserve stands as a model of these efforts, showcasing the benefits of integrated livestock development and sustainable resource management.

 Strengthening Market Access for Livestock Farmers: Governor Fintiri has strongly emphasised improving market access for livestock farmers. The Mubi livestock market, one of the largest in the region, plays a vital role in the state’s economy, supplying approximately 29 million animals annually to Lagos State and generating around N29 billion in revenue. By enhancing market linkages and upgrading infrastructure, the government has further stimulated economic activities in the sector, benefiting both farmers and traders.

Conflict Resolution and Community Engagement: A cornerstone of Governor Fintiri’s livestock policy has been resolving recurrent clashes between farmers and herders. His administration has fostered peaceful coexistence between these groups through dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and policy reforms. Establishing grazing reserves and ranching systems has significantly reduced pressure on farmlands and minimized resource conflicts, contributing to a more harmonious and productive agricultural landscape.

Empowering Youth and Women in the Livestock Sector: The administration’s interventions in the livestock sector have also focused on creating employment opportunities for youth and women. Training programs and access to credit facilities have been introduced to enable these groups to participate in modern livestock farming. These initiatives have reduced unemployment and poverty levels and empowered women and young people to become active contributors to the state’s economic development.

Impact and Future Prospects: Governor Fintiri’s interventions in the livestock sector have already begun to yield tangible results, including increased productivity, higher incomes for farmers, and improved food security. By promoting sustainable practices and fostering partnerships with federal and international organizations, the administration has laid a solid foundation for the long-term growth of the livestock industry in Adamawa State.  

A notable example of such collaboration is the partnership between the Adamawa State government and the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (LPRES). On Thursday, January 16, 2025, the government distributed inputs and machinery to 23,000 livestock farmers, further boosting productivity and resilience in the sector.

Governor Fintiri’s continued focus on innovation, community engagement, and infrastructure development is expected to transform the livestock sector further. These efforts will solidify Adamawa State’s position as a leader in livestock farming in Nigeria and ensure sustainable economic growth and improved livelihoods for its citizens.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

Why are the Nigerians not having enough food to eat? Why? That is the question we need to answer. Statistics paint a grim picture and the anecdotal evidence is there. We have working farmers but numbers say people are not eating well.

The above was paraphrased from the address of the Chairman, Media Trust Group, at the 22nd Daily Trust Dialogue and Presentation of Unsung Heroes, themed “Food Security: Availability or Affordability?” held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja on 23 January 2025. One does not need an emeritus to explain the reasoning behind the choice of theme.

As an individual with a background in agriculture, I have often had serious discussions with two close friends about the true value of our certificates. If we cannot make a tangible impact on curbing hunger, which continues to plague Nigerians, then what is the point? The alarming statistics of hunger and malnutrition only paint a bleaker picture each year.

We never really take into account other graduates from different subsectors of agriculture, but we somehow always come to the conclusion that we are part of the reason millions of Nigerians go hungry, and we hope to make a difference in the near future, dumping the noise and swinging into real action.

It is this very concern that drives my desire to attend conferences or dialogues like the aforementioned, but circumstances did not permit it. Thankfully, technology has been birthed and it came to the rescue. The organisers provided live coverage across Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom, which I was able to access, allowing me to participate in the programme, albeit not until the very end.

It was a session to examine the current state of affairs and an open floor for discussion on how to make food available and affordable. Pundits brainstormed Nigeria’s vast fertile land, large bodies of water and adequate rainfall in each geopolitical zone, suitable for various crops and rearing animals, explored and seeked to decode how despite these rich agrarian factors hunger perseveres when there should be no correlation at all.

Farmer-herder clashes, a misunderstanding that has escalated from cultivated lands to homes, affecting innocent women and children, were deliberated upon, along with their impact on optimum crop production. In my view, our inability to properly harness pasture and rangeland is a contributory factor.

To put things into perspective, in a class, we studied over ten plants that, when cultivated, can provide sustenance for our livestock. This not only helps resolve clashes, but also reduces competition for valuable food resources between humans and domesticated animals, until we achieve self-sufficiency.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) foods was another talking point. Exploring and tweaking specific genetic traits for better quality in other plants or animals is not new in agriculture. Before we sort ethical issues surrounding GMOs for long term solution on food availability, attention must be paid on short term remedy for same, and affordability.

Post harvest spoilage or waste was another concern. Even as these food items, especially perishables, are not sufficiently abundant, during harvest, a lot go to waste without arriving markets. What does this tell us? There is the ability to produce sufficiently but, as a nation it becomes imperative to invest in processing and storage infrastructure to arrest the issue of availability and affordability, it is basic economic principle of demand and supply.

Insecurity remains the bane of farmers. Many have abandoned their lands in order to remain alive, frankly, no one blames them. In offering solution, President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) said there is a need to defoliate forests in Nigeria which serves as safe haven for criminal elements – bandits, Boko Haram, ISWAP and Lakurawa alike.

He alluded to the fact that his idea may not sit well with climate change and environmental enthusiasts but stood firmly by this suggestion. This idea may not necessarily be out of place when we zoom our lens to realities of food availability and affordability. What I must add, if this is not welcomed, stakeholders should have a round table talk on other ways to save lives and tackle food insecurity without defoliation.

Present during the dialogue was the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha. Among a lot of things he said Nigerians are tired of saying the country has “potential”, stressing that it is time to ”activate” it. Although we must know the potentials before attempting to activate, his assertion is oncourse, our potentials have since been established.

According to him, policies should address the issue where people produce for only family consumption with little to sell while also highlighting the need to change the way we do things in the agricultural sector, for us to get a different outcome. Rightly captured but do average farmers have at their disposal sophisticated tools to produce for family and market? our practice is still largely primitive you know.

I am a believer that every citizen has a role to play for the betterment of Nigeria but importantly, leadership bears greater responsibility therefore, I was happy the Minister and a representative of the Speaker of House of Representatives – both in positions to “make things happen” – were present or represented among other stakeholders.

Overall, the dialogue was critical, informative, and enlightening, but we hope to see where we go from here in our efforts to make food available and affordable.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be reached on: dahirulawal90@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Constituency Affairs, Khadijat Omotayo, has appealed to Nigerians to refrain from criticizing the President over the removal of fuel subsidy.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, Omotayo emphasized that Tinubu’s decision was aimed at improving the country’s economy.

The gathering was attended by various stakeholders, including market women, youth groups, labor leaders, farmers, traditional rulers, government officials, and students.

She explained that the revenue generated from the subsidy removal had been allocated to all states, and the President had already approved an increase in workers’ salaries, with further increments expected during his tenure.

Omotayo highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to national unity, pointing to her presence in Plateau, a state governed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as evidence of his willingness to work with all Nigerians.

She also praised Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his efforts in fostering democracy and inclusivity.

She stated, “I don’t expect us at this point to keep attacking Mr. President, who wants dividends of democracy to go down the states. If Mr. President is a partisan politician, he won’t let me come to Plateau State, as we all know it is a PDP state. But I’m here to represent him just because he wants to carry everybody along.”

Defending the government’s policies, she noted that President Tinubu had introduced a student loan scheme benefiting all regions, allowing students to access loans without collateral.

“The students are talking about free education, and Mr. President has initiated free loans for the students. All regions are benefitting from this loan. Tell a friend to tell a friend; tell a mother to tell a brother, tell a father to tell a brother. There is a free student loan without collateral. What do you want again?” she asked.

Omotayo called on Nigerians to support the government’s initiatives and urged citizens to hold their representatives accountable rather than directing their frustrations at the President.

Governor Mutfwang, represented by the Plateau State Commissioner for Youths, Musa Ashoms, appreciated Tinubu’s support for Plateau and reiterated his administration’s commitment to development.

He stated, “Mr. President is doing a lot for us in Plateau, but like Oliver Twist, we are only asking for more. Like you said Emilokan, as Plateau State, it is our time for development.”

The town hall meeting provided an opportunity for citizens to engage with government representatives and discuss pressing national issues.

By Maryam Ahmad

Tesla is experiencing a sharp decline in sales across Europe and the UK, with analysts pointing to CEO Elon Musk’s political controversies as a key factor.

In January, Tesla sales plummeted by 59.5% in Germany compared to the previous year despite an overall rise in electric vehicle (EV) registrations. France recorded an even steeper drop of 63%, while UK sales fell by 8%, with no Tesla model ranking among the top 10 best-selling cars.

Industry experts suggest Musk’s public support for far-right figures and controversial statements have alienated European consumers, many of whom favour progressive policies. This backlash, coupled with Tesla’s ageing model lineup and delays in launching the refreshed Model Y, has led potential buyers to turn to competitors.

While Tesla remains a dominant force in the global EV market, the recent downturn underscores the growing impact of Musk’s political stance on the company’s brand and sales performance.

By El-Yassar Ahmad

Kano State’s recent ₦2.5 billion expenditure on a mass wedding initiative has sparked widespread criticism for being a poor use of public funds. At a time when the state faces significant challenges in sectors such as power supply, education, healthcare, and transportation, many believe this substantial sum could have been better invested in addressing these critical needs.

While states like Lagos prioritise infrastructure and sustainable growth—evidenced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s ₦3.5 billion investment in power generation—Kano’s leadership is drawing attention to what is seen as frivolous taxpayer spending. 

Many people, especially on social media, argue that such spending represents a missed opportunity to improve the lives of Kano’s citizens through long-term, impactful development.

This underscores a concerning trend of mismanagement and a lack of transparency that hinders progress in the state. Public resources ought to be invested in projects that meet the fundamental needs of the populace—healthcare, education, and essential services—rather than wasted on short-term initiatives that provide minimal enduring benefit.

It is high time for Kano’s leadership to reassess its priorities and ensure that public funds are used responsibly for the betterment of its citizens. Only through strategic investment in infrastructure and services can the state attain meaningful progress and enhance the quality of life for its people.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

I read Professor Farooq A. Kperogi’s article “Emir Sanusi’s Quid Pro Quo for His Friends Turned Fiends” with keen interest. While it was well-written and rich in rhetorical flair, I believe it unfairly misrepresents the character and contributions of His Highness Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the broader context of his remarks. My intention here is not to disparage Mr. Kperogi or his intellectual depth but to offer a more nuanced perspective based on facts and a balanced understanding.

Sanusi’s commentary on economic reforms is not new, and it is not driven by self-interest, as the article implies. His economic positions, controversial as they may be, have always been rooted in his commitment to transparency, accountability, and fiscal prudence.

As governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi spearheaded reforms that stabilised the financial sector and exposed corruption, notably the mismanagement of funds in the petroleum industry. His leadership saved the Nigerian banking system during the 2009 global financial crisis. These efforts reflect a consistent commitment to economic pragmatism, not the “self-loving sadism” Mr. Kperogi ascribed to him.

At the Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Lecture, Emir Sanusi addressed Nigeria’s economic challenges within a historical framework, highlighting how years of poor management led to today’s difficulties. His statement about not defending the current government’s policies was not a quid pro quo demand but an expression of discontent over the failure of political leaders to reciprocate loyalty or act decisively for national progress.

Sanusi’s critique of governance has often transcended personal affiliations. For instance, he openly criticised the Goodluck Jonathan administration despite being part of the government apparatus, risking his career in the process. His comments in the lecture reflect this same principle: his loyalty is to ideas, not individuals.

The article unfairly caricatures Sanusi as an unrepentant neoliberal apologist indifferent to the suffering of the masses. While he has supported subsidy removal and exchange rate harmonisation, his positions are informed by Nigeria’s fiscal realities. Subsidy regimes, historically marred by corruption and inefficiency, drained trillions of naira from public coffers without addressing systemic energy sector challenges.

Critics often overlook the fact that subsidies disproportionately benefit the elite rather than the poor. Studies by organisations like the World Bank and Nigeria’s Budget Office have shown that wealthier Nigerians consume more fuel and thus benefit more from subsidies. Sanusi’s advocacy for subsidy removal aims to redirect these funds toward targeted interventions, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which directly benefit the masses.

Contrary to the claim that Sanusi derives “delight from the misery of the masses,” he has consistently called for equitable resource allocation and the empowerment of marginalised communities. As emir, he launched initiatives to promote girl-child education, gender equity, and poverty alleviation in Kano State. His reforms in the Kano Emirate Council prioritised addressing social injustices that have long plagued Northern Nigeria.

For instance, his campaign against child marriage and his emphasis on the importance of education for girls drew both applause and backlash. These efforts single out his commitment to social progress and human dignity.

Mr Kperogi’s passionate critique of Sanusi’s remarks offers no clear alternative solutions to Nigeria’s economic woes. If we agree that Nigeria’s economy has suffered from decades of mismanagement, what is the path forward? Should we continue subsidising consumption at the expense of critical investments? Sanusi’s prescriptions, while debatable, are at least anchored in economic logic and long-term sustainability.

Nigeria’s challenges require a balanced, solutions-driven discourse. Reducing complex issues to personal attacks or dismissing individuals who have contributed significantly to national development is unproductive. Emir Sanusi’s positions are not beyond critique, but such critiques should engage with the substance of his arguments rather than resorting to ad hominem attacks or speculative interpretations of his motives.

Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and leadership—whether in government, traditional institutions, or civil society—must rise to the occasion. While Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is not infallible, his track record of service, advocacy, and reform warrants a more balanced appraisal. Let us concentrate on fostering a Nigeria where ideas are debated with civility and respect, rather than transforming crucial national discussions into platforms for derision.

Usman Abdullahi Koli is a public relations expert, writer, and advocate for balanced public discourse. He can be reachedvia mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman

The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, has made it clear that he will not use his expertise to address Nigeria’s economic challenges simply because he is unwilling to assist the Tinubu administration.

As a certified economist and former CBN governor, Sanusi made this assertion while speaking at the 21st anniversary of Fawehinmiism with the 2025 Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture held today at the Lagos Airport Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos state.

He stated that “explaining the economic crisis would simply provide solutions to the lingering economic problems and pave the way for the proliferation of Nigeria’s economy.” 

While speaking, the Emir emphasised that despite being a good friend to the government, he would not offer any solutions that could help the administration achieve its goals. 

He criticised the Tinubu administration, stating they lacked credible and competent people who could explain the persistence of economic constraints on Nigerians.

He reiterated, “I’m not going to discuss any of the problems, let alone provide an insight to navigate this challenging period”.

Instead of offering solutions, Sanusi shifted the responsibility to the administration, saying, “It’s up to them to explain to Nigerians why their policies keep failing. He attributed the current economic woes to decades of unnecessary economic reforms.”

By Anas Abbas

BUA Refinery and petrochemicals has dismissed a report claiming that its 200,000 barrels/day refinery is 90% complete, describing it as misleading and inaccurate.

In a statement, The Daily Reality, gathered that, the company urged the public to disregard these misleading claims, emphasizing that they did not originate from BUA company.

The company confirmed that construction is progressing steadily and remains on track to meet its delivery timelines in collaboration with partners.

The Akwa Ibom refinery project is seen as a significant step towards enhancing Nigeria’s refining capacity and energy security.

In addition to the refinery, BUA is also advancing other energy initiatives, including a mini-LNG plant and new hybrid power plants across the country, aimed at increasing its existing captive power generation capacity of over 1,000 megawatts.

BUA also, encouraged the public to verify information through its official channels to avoid being misled by false reports. The company reiterated its commitment to transparency and excellence, noting that it has successfully completed over 12 major industrial projects worth more than $3.5 billion in the last decade.

As the Akwa Ibom project progresses, BUA expressed appreciation for the publics’ interest and support, affirming its dedication to building a robust industrial and manufacturing base for a self-reliant Nigeria.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

As 2025 begins, Nigeria is grappling with an unprecedented economic crisis. Inflation is at an all-time high, the cost of living continues to skyrocket, and millions of Nigerians struggle to make ends meet. Against this backdrop, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his maiden media chat, aired on December 23, 2024, reaffirmed his commitment to the controversial reforms that have significantly reshaped the nation’s economic landscape. For many Nigerians, his steadfastness in the face of public outcry has been both perplexing and polarising.

During the televised chat, Tinubu made it clear that he has no regrets about the swift removal of the fuel subsidy, a decision he implemented on May 29, 2023, immediately after assuming office. “I made the swift decision to preserve Nigeria’s future and that of generations yet unborn,” he stated. The move, he argued, was necessary to redirect funds toward critical infrastructure and social investments. However, while the rationale may have been rooted in long-term sustainability, its immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians has been devastating.

The President also defended his administration’s tax reform bills, currently before the National Assembly, insisting they were essential to Nigeria’s economic recovery. Despite significant pushback, particularly from Northern leaders who feared the reforms could deepen regional disparities, Tinubu maintained that these policies were non-negotiable. “The tax reforms have come to stay,” he declared, further solidifying his reputation as a leader unwilling to waver, even in the face of widespread criticism.

For the average Nigerian, these reforms have translated into unbearable economic hardship. Inflation rose to an alarming 33.95% in November 2024, up from 22.41% in May 2023. The cost of basic commodities such as food, fuel, and transportation has nearly doubled, pushing millions below the poverty line. The removal of the fuel subsidy, intended to save the government trillions of naira annually, has led to an exponential increase in the cost of petrol, which now hovers around ₦1000 per litre.

The ripple effects are evident everywhere. Transport fares have tripled, food prices are beyond the reach of many families, and small businesses are folding under the weight of operating costs. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, unemployment rose from 33.3% in Q1 2023 to 40% in Q3 2024, leaving millions without a source of income. For many Nigerians, survival has become a daily struggle, with no immediate relief in sight.

While President Tinubu’s reforms undoubtedly aim to stabilise the economy and ensure fiscal responsibility, their execution has lacked a critical human element. Policy changes of this magnitude require technical precision, empathy, and strategic cushioning to mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations. Governments worldwide that have implemented subsidy removals or tax reforms have typically done so gradually, accompanied by robust social safety nets.

In Nigeria, the absence of significant palliatives has amplified the suffering of the masses. The promised conditional cash transfers and mass transit buses remain primarily theoretical, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of these reforms unaided. The government urgently needs to adopt a more holistic approach that balances fiscal discipline with the immediate needs of its people.

As a writer, it has been my habit to pen a year-in-review piece every December, reflecting on the highs and lows of the past year. This year, however, I chose to wait until President Tinubu’s address to the nation, hoping for a message of hope or at least a roadmap to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. Unfortunately, his reaffirmation of policies exacerbating the economic crisis offers little comfort.

The government must urgently prioritise measures to ease Nigerians’ economic burden. Initiatives such as targeted subsidies for essential goods, tax relief for low-income earners, and the accelerated implementation of promised palliatives could provide immediate relief. Additionally, robust dialogue with stakeholders, particularly those from regions expressing concerns, is critical to fostering a sense of inclusion and national unity.

President Tinubu’s vision for a self-reliant Nigeria is commendable, but the path to achieving it cannot come at the expense of the people’s well-being. Economic reforms must be designed to stabilise numbers and improve lives. As the nation stands at a crossroads, the government has an opportunity to recalibrate its approach, demonstrating that it is not only fiscally responsible but also deeply empathetic to the struggles of its citizens.

Nigerians’ resilience is unmatched, but resilience alone cannot drive a nation forward. It is time for governance that is as humane as it is ambitious—leadership that listens, learns, and adapts. As 2025 approaches, the hope is that the lessons of the past year will inspire a more inclusive and compassionate governance style, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the pursuit of progress.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.