President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies don dey cause serious wahala for many Nigerians since he take over as president on May 29, 2023. One of the major decisions wey him make na to remove fuel subsidy, and dis decision don increase fuel price sharply. Nigeria, wey be oil-producing country, dey rely heavily on fuel import because of limited refining capacity. With fuel price more than doubling, transportation cost soar, and inflation dey rise across various sectors, especially for food, goods, and services. Dis situation don directly affect millions of Nigerians, many of whom dey live below poverty line.
Another policy wey dey cause trouble na currency unification and exchange rate liberalisation. Tinubu’s administration introduce flexible exchange rate system, allowing naira to float against foreign currencies. Before, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) dey maintain multiple exchange rates to manage inflation and reduce external shocks. But now, naira don depreciate quickly, causing import costs to rise and contributing to inflation. Nigerians now dey face higher costs for imported goods, including essential items like food, medicine, and fuel.
The combination of fuel price increase, currency devaluation, and pre-existing economic conditions like unemployment and poverty don push inflation rate to around 32 and 33 percent. Food don become very expensive for many families, and social unrest and public backlash don follow these economic policies. Protests over fuel subsidy removal don happen across several states, and many Nigerians dey criticize government for implementing reforms without adequate social safety nets.
In addition to economic woes, some politicians dey criticize Tinubu’s government openly. Former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, don speak out against government policies. Amaechi suggest say youths should protest against government, while Ndume advise Tinubu to tackle hardship before it get out of hand. APC leaders don warn dem to stop public criticism and reach out to Tinubu privately instead.
Meanwhile, House of Representatives don propose bill to establish Bola Tinubu University in Aba, Abia State, to teach Nigerian languages. Dis bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu and others, don pass first reading in the House.
