Opinion

By Munir Aliyu Kabuga

It is indeed disheartening, though sadly not surprising. A nation’s commitment to the welfare and security of its citizens is often measured by how it responds when its finest men and women make the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

The deaths of senior military officers in the fight against terrorism, including Brigadier General Uba and Brigadier General Momoh, and many more, remain painful reminders of the enormous sacrifices being made daily by members of the Armed Forces. These officers dedicated their lives to defending Nigeria against insurgency and insecurity, yet many Nigerians were left with the feeling that the national response to their deaths did not adequately reflect the magnitude of their service and sacrifice.

Beyond official statements of condemnation and condolences, many citizens expected a more robust and visible response—one that would demonstrate an unwavering resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice and intensify efforts to defeat the forces of terror. Such losses should serve not merely as moments of mourning but as catalysts for decisive action against those who continue to threaten the nation’s peace, security, and unity.

It is against this backdrop that concerns are being expressed regarding the death of General Rabe Abubakar. If the loss of serving generals did not elicit the level of response many Nigerians had hoped for, it is understandable why some fear that the passing of a retired general may receive even less attention from the authorities.

Ultimately, the greatest tribute to fallen heroes is not found in words of sympathy alone, but in concrete actions that strengthen national security, honour their sacrifices, and ensure that those responsible for such acts are relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.

The manner in which some military personnel have been treated, both in life and in death, is bound to have consequences for morale within the Armed Forces and for the willingness of future generations to enlist. It is only natural for a young citizen to think twice about joining the military when those who devote their lives to the service of the nation sometimes appear abandoned at their most vulnerable moments.

Why would one not hesitate when brave men and women give their all in defence of their country, only to face the prospect of falling into the hands of ruthless and barbaric terrorists? The courage required to wear the uniform is immense, but that courage must be matched by an unwavering national commitment to protect, support, and honour those who serve.

There is something profoundly troubling about the thought of a nation that entrusted a man with its uniform, bestowed upon him rank and responsibility, benefited from his years of sacrifice, celebrated his retirement, and yet seemed unable to guarantee his safety when he needed it most.

Today, we mourn General Rabe Abubakar.

He served his nation with honour, dedication, and distinction. His passing has reignited important questions about how a country values those who dedicate their lives to its service and security. It challenges us to reflect on whether we have done enough—not only to honour our heroes after their deaths, but also to safeguard them while they are alive.

This is more than a eulogy; it is a call to reflection. It is a reminder that the true measure of a nation’s gratitude to its heroes lies not merely in ceremonial tributes or eloquent speeches, but in its enduring commitment to their welfare, dignity, and security, both during and after their years of service.

May Allah forgive General Rabe Abubakar’s shortcomings, expand his grave, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. May He comfort his family, grant patience and strength, and bless them with peace and security, ameen. May Allah grant him eternal rest and comfort those he left behind, ameen.

By Umar Mohammed Dewa

As Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democracy on June 12th, some are popping champagne bought with democracy dividends, while others are eating their hearts out in lamentation. Such is the paradox of Nigeria’s democratic experience, a journey marked by notable achievements and persistent challenges.

June 12 remains a defining symbol of the Nigerian people’s struggle for democratic governance. It commemorates the historic 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history, and honours the sacrifices of countless patriots who fought against military rule and for the restoration of civil liberties.

Twenty-seven years after the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria can point to significant gains. Democratic institutions have endured, political participation has expanded, and citizens continue to exercise their right to choose their leaders at the ballot box. Yet for many Nigerians grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and rising living costs, the promised dividends of democracy remain elusive.

Democracy is more than periodic elections; it is about accountable leadership, responsive governance, social justice, and the improvement of citizens’ welfare. As the nation celebrates this year’s Democracy Day, it is also an opportunity for sober reflection on how democratic governance can better serve the people and fulfil the aspirations of those who fought for it.

The significance of June 12 lies not only in remembering the past but also in recommitting to the ideals of freedom, equity, transparency, and national unity. Only through such commitment can Nigeria’s democracy continue to strengthen and deliver meaningful progress for all.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria.

Umar Mohammed Dewa wrote from Yola, Nigeria.                                                                                                                              

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

The loss of an Army General, whether retired or in active service, at the hands of ragtag bandits, insurgents or terrorists is heartbreaking and a major loss to the nation.

What Nigeria is witnessing today can no longer be described merely as insurgency or banditry. Nigeria is at war. Simple.

Over the years, the country has suffered painful losses of highly trained military officers in the fight against terrorism and armed criminal groups. These incidents clearly show the scale, sophistication, and dangerous evolution of insecurity across the country.

In November 2021, Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu was killed in an ambush while commanding the 28 Task Force Brigade in the Chibok area of Borno State.

In November 2025, Brigadier General Musa Uba was killed in an ISWAP ambush near Wajiroko along the Damboa–Wajiroko Road in Borno State.

On April 9, 2026, Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, a Brigade Commander, was killed during a coordinated Boko Haram/ISWAP assault that overran a military base in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

On June 13, 2026, the Katsina State Government announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who died while in captivity after being abducted by bandits.

Similarly, in September 2018, retired Major General Idris Alkali was killed by a mob in Plateau State, another painful reminder that even retired senior military officers are not spared from the growing insecurity.

Reaching the rank of General in the Nigerian Army is an extremely competitive, merit-based process that often requires 25 to 35 years of dedicated service, sacrifice, discipline, and commitment to the nation.

These are not ordinary individuals. Generals and indeed all well-trained security personnel, whether active or retired, are strategic national assets. Their experience, intelligence, leadership, and institutional knowledge are invaluable to any country.

When a nation begins to lose such high ranking officers to terrorists and bandits, it is a clear indication that the threat has grown beyond ordinary criminality.

The time has come for Nigeria to fully confront this reality and respond with the seriousness, unity, and determination that war demands, despite the heavy consequences that often come with prolonged conflict and guerrilla warfare. The country’s survival, stability, and future depend on it.

Nigeria is at war with the bandits

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

By Jamiu Abdulgafar Olamilekan

The Punch Newspaper editorial on May 5, 2026 (Page 18), titled “Women Need Better Access to Credit”, highlights one of Nigeria’s most persistent economic blind spots. Despite their immense contributions to business, agriculture, trade, and family welfare, women remain locked out of the financial support they need to grow and thrive.

Across Nigerian markets, women dominate petty trading and small-scale enterprises from fashion shops and food businesses to salons, online ventures, and farming. Yet, securing loans from banks is often impossible.

As the editorial points out, collateral requirements, guarantors, and complex documentation create barriers that many hardworking women in both rural and urban communities cannot overcome.

This exclusion is, to say the least, unjust. Women are among the most financially responsible members of society, stretching limited resources to support children, families, and entire communities. Still, government empowerment programmes frequently fail to reach them.

In some cases, corruption, favouritism, and poor implementation dilute their impact, while lack of financial education and weak communication leave rural women unaware of opportunities that could change their lives.

Going forward, banks and other financial institutions must design loan systems that are flexible and inclusive. Lower interest rates for female-owned small businesses, coupled with expanded financial literacy programmes, would ensure women not only access credit but also manage it effectively.

The government, on its part, must enforce transparency and accountability in policies aimed at empowering women.

Beyond economics, financial empowerment strengthens families and reduces poverty. A woman with a stable income is more likely to invest in education, healthcare, and better living conditions for her household. The ripple effect benefits society at large.

Nigeria cannot claim to pursue inclusive growth while millions of women remain financially excluded. Empowering women is not charity — it is a strategic investment in the nation’s future.

Jamiu Abdulgafar Olamilekan is a Strategic Communication student at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja. He can be reached at jamiuabdulgafar510@gmail.com.

By Prof. Ibrahim Bello-Kano

Writing any kind of text, narrative, or account of the career or the personal and professional achievements of Prof. Abdallah Uba Adamu is, and always will be, daunting for a number of reasons. One of them is the sheer intellectual energy of the man, his passion for the intellect, which would be hard to describe in a short account. Second, Prof Abdallah has the unusual distinction of being officially bestowed with the title of the “Double Professor”, which means that he has contributed to scholarship in two or more academic fields, namely science education, communication studies, and cultural studies— all three fields have a vast set of scholarly literature and other empirical studies that many may fear to attempt to master in a lifetime.

Thus, it is fair to call Abdallah Uba Adamu a polymath because his scholarly interests and publications have given a new twist to the term “intertextuality”; an academic polyglot because he is versed in the languages of science, education, communication studies, and cultural studies, perhaps even of Administration (since he served as the Vice Chancellor of the Nigerian Open University, where he has left behind the enduring legacy of tertiary education reform, syllabus engineering, and the astute management of money, men, and materials.

The preceding discussion should justify my calling him with the plural “Professors” AU Adamu. My pluralisation of his official, well-earned, and widely recognised by students, peers, and colleagues title of Professor needs to be elevated to a higher order of accolade and meritorious distinction by superlativising it with a transcendental “S”. 

Thus, he alone, at least for the moment, deserves to be described as the “Super Professor” among the professors. 

Adding another “s” to his academic designation is a gesture towards his current status as not just a BUK, University, or National Professor but also as an International Professor par excellence, a Professor with scholarly and academic range worthy of being, and comparable to, the most distinguished professors in the academic world. 

Adamu’s teaching outings in the media or at public lectures are supremely well attended; he’s probably the most-quoted source on media studies, Hausa-Fulani-Muslim cultural film and media studies, and a worthy creator and domesticator of the word/adjective (the) “Islamicate”. 

There is yet another side of this gifted Professor that should be mentioned: he is unusually generous, incredibly empathetic, and a walking example of humility. One cannot see or sense or detect the simplest, the faintest, or the most unconscious sign of academic or cultural arrogance in him. What is more, he is an avid reader, a book enthusiast, and a digital wizard, if not a positively maniacal digitaliser of knowledge production itself. 

Little surprise, then, that Professors AU Adamu has got a magnetic personality: everyone, even the other Professors, want to be “caught” in his passionate discussion of academic and mundane topics. 

In a sense, then, Profs Abdallah has paid his dues to the university system. In his early career, he was the envy of his senior colleagues, who did not help his career advancement; he was the object of many a colleague’s malice. He was also badly misunderstood by his peers, who mistook his enthusiasm or passion for academic excellence for personal arrogance. But, over time, his younger colleagues began to see his merits as a scholar, a compassionate person, as a model for younger colleagues across the university. 

His rising profile as an internationally sought-after scholar and researcher began to take hold in his colleagues’ imaginations. At one time, he offered to present a paper on a cultural studies topic at my department. Some colleagues felt that it was not his “field”, so to speak. I, as the HOD, then was not convinced of the argument. When the paper was presented, everyone could see that the presenter was not of the common mill of people but a deeply learned and imaginative scholar. 

Profossors Adamu is and would always be a worthy presence in any undergraduate or postgraduate teaching circuit. His inaugural lecture drew the largest crowd ever. This walking symbol of hardworking, scholarly acumen, and academic energy is a gift to Kano, his hometown, to BUK, and to the world academic community. 

I wish him continuing good health, more research energy, more scholarly output, and more academic-intellectual sparks.

Ibrahim Bello-Kano can be reached via ibrahimbellokano@gmail.com.

By Rahab Abashi

Debt has emerged as one of the most contentious topics in Nigeria today. Public opinion is often divided, as many view borrowing as an inherent evil, while others argue it is a necessary tool for development. 

In my view, borrowing is not inherently detrimental; rather, the crux lies in how these funds are utilised and whether they effectively stimulate national growth.

Many of the world’s most powerful economies operate on significant debt. Global leaders such as the United States, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, India, Italy, Canada, and Brazil all carry substantial national burdens. 

The United States owes over $34 trillion, Japan’s debt exceeds $9 trillion, and China’s stands at more than $14 trillion. Similarly, developed nations like the United Kingdom, France, and Italy owe trillions of dollars. 

Despite these figures, these nations maintain robust economies by channelling borrowed capital into high-impact sectors such as industry, technology, infrastructure, and commerce.

A defining characteristic of these successful nations is their diversified revenue streams. The United States generates wealth through technology, entertainment, finance, and manufacturing. China dominates in production and exports, while Germany is a global leader in engineering and automobiles. 

India, meanwhile, earns significantly from software services and its world-renowned film industry, Bollywood. While these countries borrow, they possess resilient systems that generate the income necessary to service and repay those loans without seriously impacting citizens.

Nigeria’s predicament is notably different due to an over-reliance on a single commodity. Crude oil remains the nation’s primary source of revenue and foreign exchange. 

Consequently, whenever global oil prices fluctuate, the Nigerian economy suffers a direct hit. This volatility highlights the inherent risk of a mono-product economy, particularly for a country with Nigeria’s massive population.

I believe that borrowing itself is not the primary issue. The real challenges are poor management and a lack of economic diversification. If Nigeria secures loans to revitalise electricity, transportation, agriculture, education, and healthcare, debt becomes a catalyst for development. 

However, when borrowed funds are mismanaged or fail to improve the standard of living, debt is understandably perceived as a burden.

Beyond oil, Nigeria possesses several sectors with immense revenue potential. Agriculture is paramount, given our fertile land and large workforce; the country could achieve significant gains from exports of rice, cocoa, cassava, and palm oil. 

Our entertainment industry is expanding rapidly, with Nigerian music, film, comedy, and fashion gaining global acclaim. Technology also offers a bright frontier, as Nigerian youth increasingly excel in digital skills, software development, and innovation.

With this potential left to stagnate, Nigeria must pivot toward developing a multi-sectoral economy. Economically successful nations are rarely dependent on a single source of income. 

Borrowing is a viable strategy provided the capital is invested wisely in productive sectors that drive growth and create jobs. 

If the giant of Africa prioritises investment in agriculture, entertainment, technology, manufacturing, and tourism, it can build a resilient economy and finally break its precarious dependence on oil.

Abashi Rahab is a student of Strategic Communication at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.  An intern with IMPR.  She can be reached at: abashirahab@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Muhammad Salisu Esq.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the alliance between the Kwankwasiyya and Obidient movements is attracting significant attention. On paper, it looks like a powerful partnership. Kwankwasiyya has a strong following in Kano and much of the North, while the Obidient movement enjoys significant support among young people and urban voters, especially in the South.

Together, they could become a formidable political force. But there is a problem.

Both movements have increasingly developed a reputation for attacking critics, insulting opponents, and treating disagreement as betrayal. Politics is a game of persuasion, not intimidation. A movement that insults everyone outside its camp may excite its loyal supporters, but it will struggle to attract the undecided voters needed to win national elections.

The situation worsened when some Kwankwasiyya supporters recently made comments perceived as disrespectful toward the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. For many Northerners, the Sardauna is not just a historical figure. He is regarded as one of the architects of modern Northern Nigeria, a leader who championed education, institution building, economic development, and regional unity.

Attacking such a widely respected figure is politically damaging. It alienates many Northerners who might otherwise be sympathetic to the movement and raises questions about the judgment of those involved.

This is why Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso needs to clearly distance himself from such attacks. In politics, silence is often interpreted as approval. A simple and firm defence of the Sardauna’s legacy would reassure many people that the movement respects Northern history and values.

The larger lesson is straightforward. No political movement can build a successful national coalition through insults, bullying, hostility, or attacks on respected historical figures. Winning elections requires discipline, maturity, tolerance, and respect for people who hold different opinions.

The Kwankwasiyya-Obidient alliance has the potential to become a serious national alternative. But potential alone is not enough. If both movements continue down the path of intolerance and political hostility, they risk pushing away the very voters they need.

The choice before Kwankwasiyya is simple: either grow into a movement capable of governing Nigeria or remain trapped in a cycle of unnecessary controversies and self-inflicted political wounds.

In the end, political movements are remembered not for how loudly their supporters shout, but for the wisdom, discipline, and judgment they display when it matters most.

Muhammad Muhammad Salisu Esq. wrote via muhammad.writes01@gmail.com.

By Abashi Rahab

Not too long ago, I found myself standing by a roadside food stall, just watching the world go by. It was evening, and the queue was steady. One after another, people placed their orders as if on autopilot. I watched a man buy a heap of fried yam and sauce, “wash it down” with a chilled soft drink, and disappear into the night.

To any onlooker, the scene was unremarkable. In fact, it felt deeply familiar, a routine millions of us perform daily without a second thought. And that is precisely the heart of the problem.

For many Nigerians, eating has become a mechanical act rather than a nutritional one. We reach for what is available, what is fast, and what provides that immediate satisfaction.

We rarely pause to interrogate what is in our “plastic” food or how those hidden ingredients might be rewriting our health story. To be fair, it is not always a case of intentional neglect; often, we are simply creatures of habit.

There is also a stubborn myth that eating right is a luxury reserved for the wealthy. This misconception leads many to throw in the towel before they have even tried. But the truth is, health is not always about the weight of your wallet; it is about the quality of your choices.

That daily soft drink that has become a mealtime staple, the cultural preference for food swimming in oil, and the habit of swapping real meals for processed snacks are decisions that cost us dearly in the long run.

The real danger lies in the silence of the damage. These choices don’t strike immediately; they erode our health slowly. Over the years, they manifest as high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic fatigue, all conditions that build up quietly until they can no longer be ignored.

What makes this reality so tragic is that eating better is well within our reach. Many of our local staples, like beans, local rice, vegetables, and plantains, are nutritional powerhouses when we treat them with respect.

The secret is not in buying expensive or packaged food; it is in reducing the oil, cutting the sugar, and finding balance in what we already have on our plates. It is about the small, daily steps that move us away from digging our graves with our teeth.

Breaking these habits is no walk in the park, especially when they are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. However, awareness is a powerful catalyst. Choosing water over soda, being mindful of portion sizes, and thinking twice before defaulting to the usual oily foods are small steps that lead to a massive outcome.

In the end, our health is rarely determined by a single meal. It is shaped by the repeated, unthinking choices we make every day. We often complain that healthy food is expensive, and in a tough economy, that can be true. But we seldom talk about the true cost of eating carelessly.

One day, the bill comes due. It stops being about the price of a plate of food and starts being about hospital bills, lifelong medication, and a life forced to slow down long before its time. By then, the conversation is no longer about what we ate—it’s about what those choices have taken from us.

Abashi Rahab is a student of Strategic Communication at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja. An intern with IMPR. She can be reached at: abashirahab@gmail.com.

By Ismail Ahmad Misau

Politics often produces moments that alter the direction of public discourse and reshape the calculations of political actors. Bauchi State appears to be witnessing one of such moments. Across political gatherings, community meetings, marketplaces, social media platforms, and informal discussions, one name continues to dominate conversations with remarkable consistency: Senator Shehu Buba.

What is unfolding in Bauchi today is more than a routine political realignment. It is a phenomenon that has attracted widespread attention from political observers, party leaders, opinion molders, youth groups, traditional stakeholders, and ordinary citizens. The departure of Senator Shehu Buba from the APC and his subsequent emergence as the leading figure within the PRP has introduced a new dynamic into the political landscape of the state.

Many analysts now regard his movement as one of the most consequential political developments in recent Bauchi history. Whether one supports him or not, there is little disagreement that his growing influence has significantly altered political calculations ahead of the next electoral cycle.

From Party Pillar to Political Force

Senator Shehu Buba is not a strange politician seeking relevance. He entered this phase of his political journey with substantial credentials and an established record of public service.

As a serving Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, he has occupied strategic positions in the National Assembly, including leadership responsibilities in committees related to national security and intelligence as well as livestock development. These assignments have placed him at the center of critical national conversations concerning security, economic diversification, rural development, and agricultural transformation.

Within Bauchi State, his supporters frequently point to his accessibility, grassroots engagement, constituency interventions, and commitment to party development as factors that strengthened his political standing over the years.

For many APC supporters, Senator Shehu Buba was viewed as one of the party most visible and influential figures in the state. His ability to mobilize supporters, attract political stakeholders, and maintain a strong grassroots network earned him considerable respect across various segments of the political spectrum.

However, politics is often shaped as much by perception as by reality. As his political profile continued to rise, many observers believed that competing ambitions and internal political interests created tensions within the party structure. These developments eventually culminated in his decision to seek a new political platform.

The PRP Gamble That Changed the Conversation

When Senator Shehu Buba announced his departure from the APC and aligned himself with the PRP, reactions were mixed.

Some viewed the decision as risky. Others saw it as a bold political statement. Yet few anticipated the speed with which the new movement would gain momentum.

What has happened since then has surprised many political watchers.

The PRP, a party that previously occupied a less prominent position in contemporary Bauchi politics, suddenly became the focus of statewide attention. Political stakeholders who had previously remained on the sidelines began reassessing their options. Youth groups, community leaders, former party officials, and political actors from different backgrounds increasingly gravitated toward the new platform.

In politics, momentum is often as important as structure. Once a movement begins attracting influential personalities and generating public enthusiasm, it acquires a self sustaining character. That appears to be what many observers are now witnessing in Bauchi State.

The growing support for Senator Shehu Buba has transformed the PRP from a peripheral participant into a significant factor that cannot be ignored in future political contests.

Why Many See Him as a Serious Governorship Contender

Every election cycle produces aspirants, but only a few emerge as genuine contenders capable of commanding statewide attention.

Several factors explain why many supporters and political analysts increasingly view Senator Shehu Buba as a strong governorship prospect.

First is experience. His political journey has traversed both local and national levels. As a former Executive Chairman of Toro Local Government, one of the largest local government areas in Nigeria, he gained firsthand exposure to governance, administration, community engagement, and public sector management.

His tenure in the Senate further expanded his understanding of policy making, legislative processes, security challenges, and national development priorities.

Second is visibility. Unlike many politicians whose influence is concentrated within limited geographical areas, Senator Shehu Buba has cultivated networks that extend across different local government areas and demographic groups.

Third is public perception. Many of his supporters view him as a politician who combines political experience with accessibility. In an era when citizens increasingly demand leaders who understand everyday realities, such perceptions can become a powerful electoral asset.

A Movement Beyond Party Lines

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Senator Shehu Buba phenomenon is its ability to attract support beyond traditional party boundaries.

Political movements become formidable when they transcend partisan loyalties and appeal to broader aspirations. In many communities across Bauchi State, support for Senator Shehu Buba is increasingly being framed not merely as party affiliation but as a collective desire for a different political direction.

This explains why individuals from various political backgrounds continue to show interest in his movement.

The attraction is not limited to career politicians. Young people seeking opportunities, community leaders demanding greater development, professionals advocating institutional reforms, and ordinary citizens concerned about governance challenges are all becoming part of the wider conversation surrounding his political future.

Such cross sectional appeal often represents a significant advantage in competitive electoral environments.

Reshaping the Political Landscape

The rise of Senator Shehu Buba has introduced fresh uncertainty into the calculations of rival political camps.

For established political actors, the emergence of a rapidly expanding movement requires strategic adjustments. Political parties that previously focused their attention elsewhere must now account for a new force capable of influencing voter behavior and altering electoral outcomes.

The significance of this development extends beyond party competition. It is forcing broader conversations about governance, leadership quality, economic development, education, youth empowerment, infrastructure, healthcare, and security. These are issues that remain central to the aspirations of the people of Bauchi State.

As the political environment evolves, voters are likely to evaluate candidates not only on party platforms but also on their perceived competence, credibility, vision, and capacity to deliver tangible results.

The Leadership Question

At the heart of every governorship contest lies a fundamental question: who possesses the experience, vision, and leadership capacity to address the challenges facing the state?

Supporters of Senator Shehu Buba argue that his administrative background, legislative experience, grassroots connections, and understanding of security issues position him favorably to provide such leadership.

Bauchi State, like many states across Nigeria, faces complex challenges that require practical solutions and strategic thinking. Issues relating to economic growth, educational advancement, agricultural productivity, infrastructure expansion, youth employment, and community security remain priorities for citizens.

Many believe that future leadership must combine experience with innovation, political influence with public accountability, and ambition with a genuine commitment to service.

For an increasing number of observers, Senator Shehu Buba has emerged as a figure capable of embodying those expectations.

Conclusion: A Political Wave That Cannot Be Ignored

Political history is often shaped by moments when individuals transform public sentiment into organized political movements.

Whether viewed from the perspective of supporters, opponents, or neutral observers, the rise of Senator Shehu Buba represents one of the most significant political developments currently unfolding in Bauchi State.

His transition from the APC to the PRP has not diminished his influence. If anything, it has amplified it. His growing coalition of supporters, expanding grassroots network, and increasing visibility across the state suggest that he has become a central figure in discussions about the future of Bauchi politics.

As the journey toward the next governorship election continues, one reality appears increasingly clear: Senator Shehu Buba is no longer merely participating in the political conversation. He is helping to define it.

If current trends continue, his political movement may well become one of the decisive factors shaping the future direction of Bauchi State.

Ismail Ahmad Misau
Political Communication Aide to Hon. Dr. Bello Aliyu Abubakar Shinge

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

On 29 May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu used his inaugural address to sever Nigeria’s decades-long dependence on fuel subsidies. It was a definitive end to a fiscal drain that had consumed trillions of naira annually, a broken system that long benefited smugglers, middlemen, and the elite far more than ordinary citizens.

Three years into this economic regime change, the ledger presents a duality. While the policy has successfully unlocked unprecedented nominal revenues for the Federation Account, its real-world impact remains polarising.

As the nation reflects on the administration’s third anniversary in 2026, the question changes from whether the subsidy needed to go to who is actually winning from its absence.

In reality, the elimination of the subsidy did not result in a dedicated, untouchable savings account. Instead, it stopped a bleeding artery by wiping out the ₦4–5 trillion annual “under-recovery” losses previously absorbed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Consequently, direct remittances to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) have increased to historic highs. In 2024, annual savings reached roughly $7.5 billion, which translates to approximately ₦12 trillion at prevailing rates. This drove a 79% jump in total FAAC disbursements, skyrocketing from ₦16.28 trillion in 2023 to ₦28.78 trillion in 2024, with sub-national governments swallowing ₦15.26 trillion of that pool.

The momentum carried firmly into 2025, yielding an estimated $7–8 billion in savings. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, federal petroleum savings surged by over 500%, leaping from ₦154 billion to ₦836 billion. State governments have been the primary beneficiaries of this windfall, utilising the massive inflows to clear ₦1.85 trillion in backlogged debts, stabilise payrolls, and kickstart stalled regional projects.

While a November 2025 National Orientation Agency (NOA) policy document claims that over $84 billion has been saved and channelled into 40 road projects, independent macroeconomic realities suggest that this cumulative figure is mathematically improbable over a two- to three-year window. The actual cumulative benefit more closely aligns with World Bank estimates ranging between ₦11 trillion and ₦20 trillion, heavily caveated by severe naira depreciation.

Because these funds flow directly into general revenue pools rather than a ring-fenced fund, precise tracking has become an administrative nightmare. This lack of transparency has triggered fierce pushback from civil society organisations such as SERAP and BudgIT, which demand that states account for their newfound wealth rather than sink it into urban aesthetics or overheads.

The federal government has defended the pain of the reform by pointing to vital interventions across key sectors. In the immediate aftermath of the announcement, an initial ₦5 billion per state and the FCT was deployed via grants and loans for food and fertiliser distribution to cushion the shock.

Social safety nets saw a modest boost, with ₦3.2 billion allocated to expand conditional cash transfers through the National Social Register.

On the human capital front, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed ₦206.29 billion to over 1.1 million student beneficiaries. While NELFUND is technically funded via the Development Levy, the subsidy removal created the fiscal breathing room necessary to establish it.

Massive shifts have also been targeted toward transit and structural development. Over ₦100 billion has been injected into the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative to build conversion centres and roll out mass transit buses.

Increased liquidity has sustained funding for critical federal projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Abuja–Kano Road, the Kano–Maradi rail line, and a $1 billion modernisation commitment for key seaports like Apapa, Tin Can, and Calabar.

Furthermore, a massive portion of the savings has been absorbed by debt servicing, exceeding ₦15 trillion in recent budget cycles. While this aggressive rebalancing crowds out routine capital expenditure, it narrowed the fiscal deficit from roughly 5.4% to 3.0% of GDP, effectively averting a total sovereign bankruptcy.

Despite the triumphant-looking government balance sheets, the microeconomic reality for the average Nigerian is brutal. The savings on paper feel a world away from the hardships on the ground, creating a paradox between macro-stabilisation and micro-deprivation.

The most devastating blow has been the cost-of-living crisis. Fuel prices ballooned from under ₦200 to over ₦1,300 per litre across the federation, unleashing a wave of transportation and food inflation that has left millions of households financially insecure.

At the same time, citizens watch trillions of naira being unlocked, only to see it swallowed by prior borrowing patterns and rising interest costs, while the government’s appetite for fresh debt remains stubbornly high. This problem is compounded by severe currency depreciation and inflation.

In nominal terms, FAAC allocations are setting records at ₦2–3 trillion per month. In real terms, however, rampant inflation and a weakened naira mean this money buys far less infrastructure, healthcare, and education than it would have three years ago.

Bottom Line

Three years on, the structural necessity of President Tinubu’s May 2023 declaration is undeniable; it freed Nigeria from a fiscal death trap and dismantled an unsustainable system. Yet, the victory remains largely confined to government ledgers.

For the man on the street, the benefits of the reform have been thoroughly muted by inflation, currency devaluations, and execution gaps.

The fundamental challenge of Nigerian governance remains unresolved: the inability to translate state wealth into public welfare efficiently. As the calendar turns deeper into 2026, public trust is running thin.

If this reform is to be remembered as a historic transformation rather than just a massive tax hike on the poor, the government must shift from celebrating nominal revenue milestones to delivering tangible, unmistakable improvements in its citizens’ daily lives. The sacrifices have been made; it is time for the dividends to appear.

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