Three Years On: Nigerians Weigh Tinubu's Performance on Economy, Power and Security

 By Kehinde Awosina 

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks three years in office, Nigerians continue to evaluate the impact of some of the administration's most far-reaching policy decisions, particularly in the areas of economic reform, electricity supply and national security.

When he took the oath of office on May 29, 2023, at Eagle Square in Abuja, Tinubu immediately signaled the direction of his government with a landmark announcement that effectively ended the long-standing fuel subsidy regime. The declaration, made during his inaugural speech, set the tone for a series of economic reforms that would reshape the country's fiscal landscape.

The removal of fuel subsidy triggered significant increases in the cost of transportation, goods and services across the country. While the government defended the move as necessary to reduce wasteful spending and free up resources for development, many Nigerians faced rising living costs as inflationary pressures intensified.

Shortly after, the administration introduced another major reform by unifying the foreign exchange market. The policy aimed to streamline currency management and attract foreign investment, but it also led to a sharp depreciation of the naira against major international currencies, particularly the United States dollar. The resulting exchange rate volatility affected businesses, increased import costs and further fueled inflation.

Beyond the economy, the issue of electricity remains a major benchmark for assessing the administration's performance. During the 2023 presidential campaign, Tinubu repeatedly assured Nigerians that improving power supply would be one of his government's priorities. He even stated that voters should hold him accountable if he failed to deliver meaningful progress in the sector.

Three years later, while government officials point to ongoing reforms, investments and efforts to expand electricity generation and distribution, many households and businesses continue to grapple with irregular power supply and high energy costs. Critics argue that the pace of improvement has fallen short of public expectations, while supporters maintain that structural challenges in the sector require time to resolve.

Security has also remained a key test for the administration. Despite efforts by security agencies to combat banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other forms of criminality, concerns persist in several parts of the country. Although authorities have reported successes in military operations and the elimination of criminal elements, incidents of abduction and violent attacks continue to pose challenges.

As the Tinubu administration enters its final year before the next election cycle gains momentum, analysts say the government's legacy may ultimately be judged by how effectively it balances economic reforms with improvements in citizens' welfare, strengthens security and fulfills promises made on critical infrastructure, particularly electricity.

For many Nigerians, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the sacrifices associated with the administration's reforms will translate into tangible economic relief and improved living conditions.