Two years of Tinubu: A time for truth, unity, and patriotic resolve

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks his second year in office, Nigerians must pause—not merely to criticize or commend, but to reflect with honesty, unity, and a patriotic sense of responsibility.

A Nation at the Brink: The Context Often Ignored

When President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, Nigeria was facing an economic disaster of historic proportions. The country was using 96% of its revenue just to service debt. The petrol subsidy had become a conduit for massive corruption, costing trillions annually. Future oil revenues had been mortgaged, and forex round-tripping had hollowed out the naira. The nation’s reserves were dwindling. Left unchecked, Nigeria was heading the way of Venezuela and Zimbabwe—where citizens now cross borders to buy bread and medicine, and their currencies are practically worthless.

The Courage to Choose Reform Over Ruin

In that moment of national peril, President Tinubu made a difficult but necessary choice: to dismantle the subsidy regime, liberalize the naira, and begin restoring fiscal sanity. These reforms were painful, but essential. Without them, a loaf of bread could easily cost ₦10,000 today, and a litre of petrol ₦50,000. Those who now complain would have had no country left to complain about.

Across the world, from the UK to the US to Germany, citizens have endured austerity and reform with resilience. Britain took nearly 15 years to fix its economic decline; Germany and America needed three or more. Nigeria cannot be different. Real reform demands time, discipline, and national unity.

Opposition or Opportunism?

It is disheartening that instead of informed debate, we are witnessing waves of misinformation, protests incited by former beneficiaries of the broken system, and tribalized politicking. These voices, often from elite circles, would rather see chaos than progress, and in crisis, they will be the first to flee—leaving the ordinary Nigerian to suffer.

A simple web search would show how grave the economic situation was before 2023 and why these reforms were non-negotiable. This is not the time for emotional outbursts or empty outrage. It is time for every Nigerian to rise above politics and tribe, and stand for the nation’s future.

Signs of Progress: A New Foundation is Being Laid

Despite inherited constraints, President Tinubu’s administration is already laying down vital pillars of renewal:

Students Loan Act – Unlocking education for millions.

Consumer Credit Scheme – Powering productivity and dignity.

Refinery Revivals – Restoring energy independence.

Federal Ministry of Livestock Development – Addressing food security and agricultural reform.

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road & Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway – Game-changing infrastructure with long-term economic impacts.

These are not abstract plans; they are tangible foundations for a sustainable future.

A Call for National Patriotism, Not Pessimism

Nigeria’s greatest challenge today is not policy—it is patriotism. In other nations, even the most divided political opponents draw a red line at sabotaging national survival. Here, some amplify hardship, hoping to reap political gain. We must rise above this.

The journey is long, but the road has direction. True change is never convenient, but it is always necessary. What President Tinubu has done is to halt a free fall. What we now need is citizen alignment with national interest.

Conclusion: A Salute to Steadfast Leadership

As we mark two years of the Tinubu administration, let us replace noise with knowledge, bitterness with balance, and cynicism with citizenship. Reform is never comfortable, but it is our only path to a truly sovereign, prosperous Nigeria.

I salute President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his rare courage, strategic foresight, and unwavering leadership in the face of inherited chaos. Let us support, not sabotage. Let us build, not break.

Yusuf, a Political Strategist & Advocate for Democratic Stability
Former Organising Secretary, APC UK Chapter
UK Coordinator, Mandate Movement of Nigeria
Former Coordinator, SWAGA’23 UK Chapter
Founder, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Jagaban Borgu) Mandate Movement of Nigeria (Facebook)

Yusuf can be reached via [email protected] and +447877943878 (Messages Only)