How Nigerians Are Responding to President Tinubu’s Two-Year Anniversary Speech

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently marked two years in office with a national statement that sought to instill optimism and present evidence of steady progress. He spoke of tough economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and changes to the foreign exchange system, and claimed these were necessary measures to avoid fiscal disaster. The president emphasized improved revenue, a stronger oil and gas sector, and increased investor confidence. In his words, “the worst is behind us,” and he called on citizens to “bet on Nigeria.”

However, the response from Nigerians has been anything but uniform. Social media, particularly Twitter, became a vibrant arena of contestation. For many, the president’s tone and claims felt out of touch with the everyday reality on the ground.

Some voices welcomed the speech (see below) and praised the administration’s resolve. One user wrote, “Congratulations on IMF debt settlement. Looking forward to more action, Mr. President.” Another added, “You are taking the bullets others were scared of. You could have continued with the norm, but you chose a different path. Patriots are behind you.”

These citizens view Tinubu’s policies as bold and necessary. They argue that while the impact might not yet be widespread, the groundwork is being laid for long-term improvement. Supporters credited him for increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio, settling international debt, and restoring investor confidence in the oil and gas sector.

Yet others responded with cautious skepticism. They acknowledged parts of the government’s progress, but questioned the extent to which these improvements translated into better lives. As one user said, “We are listening, yes, we’re also watching. We want actions that match the speeches — fuel in our tanks, food on our tables, and peace in our communities.” For this group, there’s a growing desire to see numbers reflect reality, not just in reports, but in households and streets across the country.

A significant number of Nigerians expressed deep dissatisfaction. They felt the speech glossed over the suffering many are experiencing. One critic put it starkly: “Your message sounds like a corporate PR memo, not a sincere address to a people in deep anguish.” This sentiment echoed widely, as many argued that removing subsidies and unifying exchange rates without strong safety nets plunged more people into poverty.

Another user painted a harsher picture: “Today, millions cannot afford basic food items, transportation, rent, or healthcare. Families are choosing between feeding their children and paying school fees.” While the government claims inflation is easing, the cost of a 50kg bag of rice still hovers near ?95,000. Critics argue that the president’s reforms, though potentially sound in theory, lacked the compassion and support mechanisms needed in practice.

Insecurity remains another key area of concern. Despite Tinubu’s assertion that security forces are stepping up, Nigerians continue to report kidnappings, communal violence, and unsafe roads. “You say the worst is behind us, yet insecurity still haunts us,” one tweet read. “Every Nigerian deserves to live without fear. That’s not our reality today.”

Some responses also reflected deep political resentment. A number of users outright rejected the legitimacy of Tinubu’s administration, claiming he “forced his way into power” during a controversial election. As one person bluntly posted, “Nobody entrusted anything to you. You stole it.” While these sentiments may be politically charged, they highlight a trust gap that cannot be ignored.

Others went further, accusing the government of enriching a few while the majority suffer. “You entrusted yourself with the sacred responsibility of enriching your future generations with Nigeria’s plundered wealth,” another user wrote. These comments show how public trust is not just fragile, but in many quarters, completely broken.

Still, not all responses were hostile. A few expressed hope and wished the president well. “Happy 2 years anniversary sir. May your remaining years be smoother,” one tweet read. Another prayed: “God will continue to silence all your enemies and the enemies of our great country.”

The mixed reactions show that Nigerians are not simply passive recipients of political messaging. They are actively engaging, questioning, supporting, and challenging. They are not merely reacting emotionally; they are responding based on how they experience government policies in their daily lives.

This moment presents a crucial lesson in leadership. National progress is not just measured by GDP or oil rig counts. It is measured by how people feel, what they can afford, and how safe they are. A successful administration must not only make good policies, it must ensure those policies touch the lives of citizens in real and visible ways.

—the speech

Two years ago, you entrusted me with the sacred responsibility to lead our nation at a time of historic challenges. Together, we faced those headwinds with courage and determination.

The economic and general situation I inherited required that we redirect the country’s affairs with a bold and new vision. I immediately implemented two necessary policies—to stop our country from drifting into the precipice. We removed decades-long fuel subsidies and dismantled the corruption-ridden multiple exchange rate windows. These were no longer sustainable and had become a chokehold on our nation’s neck, strangling our future.

Let me be clear: the only alternative to the reforms we initiated was a fiscal crisis—runaway inflation, external debt default, crippling fuel shortages, a plunging Naira, and an economy in free-fall.

Despite the bump in the cost of living, we have made undeniable progress. Inflation has begun to ease. Rice prices and other staples are declining. Our oil and gas sector is recovering—rig counts are up by over 400%, and over $8 billion in new investments have been committed.

We have stabilised our economy. We’re better positioned for growth and prepared to withstand global shocks. Gross proceeds per barrel are aligned with forecasts. Fiscal deficit narrowed from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024. We recorded over N6 trillion in revenue in Q1 of this year.

We have discontinued Ways & Means financing. The NNPC, no longer burdened by unsustainable fuel subsidies, is now a net contributor to the Federation Account. We are achieving fuel supply security through local refining.

Our debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. We paid off IMF obligations. Our net external reserves grew from $4 billion in 2023 to over $23 billion by the end of 2024.

Under our bold tax reform agenda, our tax-to-GDP ratio rose from 10% to over 13.5% in just one year. Food, education, and healthcare now attract 0% VAT. Rent, public transport, and renewables are fully exempted. We’re eliminating multiple taxation and protecting disposable incomes—especially for low-income households and small businesses.

This is not just about revenue. It is about inclusive economic growth. This is about economic justice.

This is the movement we promised—a government of action powered by the energy and innovation of young Nigerians. From Innovate Naija and NASENI’s digital reboot, to electric vehicle assembly and drone engineering, we are restoring dignity to work and opening a future of possibilities.

I told security chiefs: up your game and collaborate to end this plague of evil men. Every Nigerian deserves to live without fear. We shall remain vigilant.

We are preparing to welcome the world to Nigeria for the Motherland Festival—a landmark gathering that will spotlight our rich heritage, vibrant creative industries, and the beauty of our people. It will showcase Nigeria’s promise—inviting the world to rediscover our nation.

Our journey is not over, but our direction is clear. So is our resolve. By the Grace of God, the worst is behind us. The real impact of our governance is beginning to take hold. The future is bright—and together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria.

Bet on Nigeria.

~ PBAT