In every democracy, citizens periodically arrive at an important national question: are we better positioned today than we were yesterday, and is the current leadership moving the country in the right direction despite the obvious challenges? For Nigeria, that question deserves careful reflection as discussions about the future of the country gradually intensify.
Neither myself nor any honest observer will deny that Nigerians have endured economic hardship in recent times. Rising costs of living, inflationary pressures and the painful adjustments arising from major economic reforms have placed enormous strain on ordinary citizens and businesses alike. These realities are genuine and should never be dismissed lightly.
However, leadership should not be judged only by temporary discomfort. It should also be judged by whether difficult but necessary decisions are being taken to reposition the country for long-term stability and growth. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown a willingness to confront structural problems that many leaders before him either avoided or postponed.
One of the most visible areas of progress under his administration is infrastructure development, particularly the renewed emphasis on durable concrete road construction across major parts of the country. For too long, Nigeria suffered from poorly executed road projects that deteriorated quickly after completion, wasting public resources and frustrating economic activities. The shift toward more durable concrete roads reflects a long-term infrastructure mindset capable of improving transportation, reducing maintenance costs and supporting national productivity over time.
My preference is taking road trips rather than flying in Nigeria. I was on the Abuja/Lokoja road multiple times last month. I also did the same thing on the Ilesha/Akure roads. While it is still a challenge driving on both roads, the level of work going on there is amazing.
Equally significant is the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a policy initiative designed to expand access to higher education for young Nigerians. For many families struggling under economic pressure, educational financing has become increasingly difficult. NELFUND represents an important effort to ensure that financial limitations do not permanently deny capable students the opportunity to pursue tertiary education and skills development.
Beyond education and infrastructure, President Tinubu’s support for local government autonomy may eventually become one of the most important governance reforms in recent Nigerian history. For decades, many local governments across the country operated under severe financial and administrative limitations that weakened grassroots development. Strengthening local government autonomy has the potential to improve service delivery, encourage accountability closer to the people and promote more balanced national development at the community level. The significance of this reform should not be underestimated.
No nation overcomes decades of accumulated economic distortions through comfort alone. Serious reforms often require difficult transitions before long-term benefits become visible. While citizens naturally expect improvements in living conditions, it is also important to recognise leaders willing to make hard decisions rather than simply pursuing temporary political popularity.
Another important factor is experience. President Tinubu entered office with decades of political, administrative and strategic experience, including his influential role in strengthening democratic opposition politics and governance reforms over the years. His background as a former governor of Lagos State continues to shape perceptions of him as a leader who understands institutional development, infrastructure expansion and economic planning.
Nigeria still faces enormous challenges. No serious supporter of the administration should pretend otherwise. Security concerns remain, economic hardship persists and many citizens understandably desire faster improvements in their daily lives. But nation-building requires continuity, stability and sufficient time for major reforms to mature.
Changing direction prematurely whenever reforms become uncomfortable can sometimes interrupt long-term progress and return countries to cycles of inconsistency. What Nigeria requires at this stage is not endless political experimentation, but steady consolidation of reforms capable of producing sustainable national growth.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown courage in confronting difficult national realities and initiating reforms aimed at repositioning the country for the future. While perfection may remain impossible in governance, leadership should also be evaluated by seriousness of purpose, strategic direction and willingness to take responsibility during difficult periods.
On balance, there are reasonable grounds to support giving President Tinubu another term to continue the reforms and developmental efforts already underway. The task before Nigeria remains enormous, but continuity, patience and sustained leadership will ultimately provide the stability needed to move the country closer to its full potential. If there’s anyone who could take us there, PBAT it is.
