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Presidency spends N34bn on international travel in two years

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The Presidency spent at least N34.39bn on foreign exchange purchases for international travel and related obligations over a two-year period.

The figure is according to data compiled from GovSpend, a government spending tracker managed by BudgIT.

The records, which cover transactions by the State House, Presidential Air Fleet, the Office of the Chief of Staff, and operations linked to the President, Vice President, First Lady, and their aides, show a sharp swing in spending patterns between 2024 and 2025.

An analysis of the data shows that 2024 accounted for the bulk of the expenditure, with total forex purchases of N29.35bn, while 2025 recorded N5.04bn.

This represents a year-on-year decline of 82.8 per cent, aligning with broader trends in the foreign exchange market where the naira stabilised following policy reforms and improved dollar inflows.

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The transactions largely relate to the purchase of foreign currencies for official trips, aviation operations, estacodes, training programmes, and logistics for international engagements involving top executive officials.

While the Presidency has maintained that such trips are necessary for diplomacy, investment promotion and bilateral relations, the scale and timing of the spending have continued to draw public scrutiny amid Nigeria’s fiscal constraints and forex shortages.

In 2024, forex purchases were heavily concentrated in the first half of the year, coinciding with a period of heightened exchange rate volatility and sustained pressure on the naira.

One of the most prominent spenders during the year was the Presidential Air Fleet, which alone accounted for several multi-billion-naira transactions described as “presidential air fleet forex transit funds.”

The Presidential Air Fleet, managed by the Nigerian Air Force, is responsible for the air transport needs of the President, Vice President, and senior government officials.

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Despite its strategic role, the cost of maintaining the fleet has long been a subject of public scrutiny and criticism, particularly amid Nigeria’s fiscal pressures and rising debt service obligations.

Between March and May 2024, the Presidential Air Fleet Naira Transit Account recorded repeated purchases of about N1.27bn each on March 7, March 9, April 6, May 11 and May 25, alongside larger tranches such as N5.08bn on April 23 and N2.43bn on May 8.

These aviation-related transactions show the high cost of maintaining and deploying the presidential fleet for overseas travel.

Additional transfers of N205m in July, N34m, N1.25bn, N2.21bn, N160.4m, N1.24bn and N902.9m in August further swelled the air fleet’s forex bill.

Smaller amounts followed later in the year, including payments in September and December, bringing the air fleet’s cumulative forex-linked transactions in 2024 into several billions of naira.

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Beyond aviation, the State House Headquarters also recorded extensive forex purchases throughout 2024.

In February alone, the State House spent over N2.5bn on forex linked directly to specific presidential and vice-presidential trips.

These included N426.88m for the Vice President’s trip to Switzerland, N1.04bn for the President’s trip to Ethiopia, N750m for the President’s trip to Dubai, N176.77m for the Vice President’s trip to Côte d’Ivoire, N149.79m for the First Lady’s trip to France, and N86.76m for the Vice President’s trip to Liberia.

March 2024 saw further spending tied to foreign travel by the First Lady and Vice President. Transactions included N202.39m for the First Lady’s trip to Mozambique, N144.57m for her trip to Addis Ababa, and N126.30m for a trip to London.

The Vice President’s engagements also featured, with N201.12m spent on a trip to Côte d’Ivoire and N169.54m for estacodes linked to UK and US training programmes.

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From July 2024, forex purchases by the State House intensified, with multiple same-day transactions on July 17 alone.

These included N149.05m, N358.53m, N243.32m, N739.07m, and N73.07m, all tagged as forex purchases.

Additional payments were made on July 23, August 6, October 11, and October 28, with notable amounts of N569.68m, N323.14m, N246.80m, and a significant N1.36bn on October 28.

By the final quarter of 2024, spending remained elevated. In November, the State House Operations – President recorded several purchases, including N22.19m, N18.34m, N169.10m and N185.23m on November 28. December added another N736.20m on December 1, reinforcing the pattern of sustained forex demand by the Presidency throughout the year.

Cumulatively, these transactions pushed total forex purchases linked to the Presidency in 2024 to N29.35bn, making it one of the most expensive years for official foreign travel and related forex spending in recent times.

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In contrast, 2025 marked a significant pullback. Total forex purchases for the year stood at N5.04bn, a steep decline from the previous year.

The reduction was broad-based, cutting across the Presidency, Vice Presidency and supporting offices.

Transactions in 2025 were also generally smaller in size and more sporadic, suggesting a deliberate effort to rein in forex outflows.

Data from April 30, 2025, show multiple forex purchases by State House Operations – President and Vice President, but most were in the tens of millions rather than billions of naira.

Amounts such as N535.82m, N57.94m, N32.51m, N57.81m and N23.67m dominated the April transactions.

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Even the larger figures recorded in mid-2025, including N1.29bn, N1.28bn and N626m linked to the Presidential Air Fleet, were fewer and spread over several months.

By the second half of 2025, forex purchases had tapered further. August transactions included N7.67m and N11.14m, while November and December recorded modest payments by the Office of the Chief of Staff and the Presidential Air Fleet.

The overall pattern points to tighter controls and possibly improved planning around official travel as the naira stabilised in 2025.

The naira ended 2025 on a firmer note, closing at N1,429/$1 on December 31.

This was a 7.4 per cent appreciation from the N1,535/$1 recorded on the final trading day of 2024, according to official exchange rate data from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

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The local currency concluded 2024 with significant depreciation, recording a 40.9 per cent loss against the dollar in the official market.

The 2025 performance marks the naira’s first annual gain since 2012, when it appreciated slightly to N157.29 from N158.99 in 2011.

The currency had depreciated every year since then, marking a major turnaround after 13 years of consistent declines.

A further breakdown of the GovSpend data also shows that aviation-related expenses remain a major driver of forex demand.

The Presidential Air Fleet consistently accounted for some of the largest transactions across both years, reflecting maintenance, fuel, leasing and operational costs that are typically dollar-denominated.

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This has renewed debate over the size and cost structure of the fleet, especially at a time when many countries are reviewing the sustainability of maintaining large official aircraft inventories.

The State House and Office of the Chief of Staff accounted for smaller but still significant amounts, often linked directly to specific trips by the President, Vice President or First Lady. These include forex purchases for estacodes, accommodation, logistics and protocol obligations.

The Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Odeh Friday, earlier expressed concern about the impact of such spending on taxpayers and the need for greater transparency and accountability.

“This highlights the urgent need for a shift toward greater equality and accountability in the management of public finances,” Friday said.

He emphasised that it is critical to evaluate the outcomes of these significant expenditures, questioning whether they truly serve the interests of the Nigerian people. “Some of them are clearly wasteful expenditure,” he added.

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Former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for spending much of January abroad.

Obi, in a post on his X handle on Sunday morning, noted that while leaders in other countries focus on domestic governance at the start of the year, Nigeria’s president has prioritised foreign engagements over pressing national issues.

Obi also questioned the necessity of Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips, noting that the President spent 23 days abroad in January across two trips, returning only briefly to Nigeria in between.

“While leaders in other nations prioritise domestic governance in January, Nigeria’s president prioritises international engagements over pressing national issues. This month, he spent 23 days abroad across two trips—beginning the year overseas and returning on the 17th, and departing less than 10 days on the 26th to Türkiye, where he remains as of January 31. What urgent matters continuously warrant his absence from the nation? When he does return, it often appears to be merely to welcome defectors into the APC before he jets off again.”

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Employees remain most valuable asset of MainPower – Dr Mupwaya

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The Managing Director of MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL), Dr Ernest Mupwaya, has reiterated the company’s commitment to its employees as its most valuable asset.

MainPower, which is a subsidiary company of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), is in-charge of electricity distribution in Enugu State.

Mupwaya stated this when he received the team from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) on a courtesy visit to the company’s head office at Power House, Enugu, on Monday.

He stressed the importance of investing in human capital (employees) to achieve strategic goals in the highly regulated electricity distribution sector.

Mupwaya highlighted the critical role of professional human resource management in building resilient and high-performing organisations, noting that people remained the most valuable asset of any institution.

The MainPower boss identified effective leadership, workforce quality, organisational culture and talent development as key drivers of success in today’s dynamic business environment.

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He also reaffirmed MainPower’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, innovation and customer focus as a young and evolving electricity distribution company.

According to him, having competent, motivated, and adaptable employees, supported by effective human resource leadership and professional institutions such as CIPM, is critical to driving organisational transformation and contributing to national development.

Mupwaya, on behalf of the management of MainPower, commended CIPM for its longstanding contributions to promoting excellence and ethical standards in human resource management across Nigeria.

He expressed the company’s interest in strengthening its collaboration with the Institute in areas including leadership development, workforce capacity building, succession planning and employee engagement.

Earlier, Chairman, CIPM, Enugu State Branch, Mr Francis Uka, who was accompanied by a member of CIPM’s Governing Council, Mr Christian Onwumeremadu, said the visit was part of the branch’s efforts to strengthen institutional relationships.

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Uka said that visit was meant to promote professional interaction, and deepen the exchange of knowledge and experience in people management and contemporary workplace practices.

During the visit, the delegation also had the opportunity to interact with some MainPower employees, particularly those in administration and operations-related roroles.

The CIPM team also shared insights on the importance of professional human resource management and encouraged eligible employees to join the Institute and take advantage of its professional development opportunities.

Present at the event were MainPower’s Head of Human Resources, Nkiru Chukwuma; Head of Health, Safety and Environment, Dr. Francis Iwu and Head of Customer Service, Ijeoma Ogudebe.

Others are Head of Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh; Managing Director, EastLand Electricity Distribution Limited, Engr. Nnamdi Chuka-Nwosu; and Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Obinna Nwachukwu among others.

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NYSC makes NERD clearance mandatory for corps members’ mobilisation

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The National Youth Service Corps has warned prospective corps members that they will not be mobilised for national service without obtaining clearance from the National Electronic Registration Database (NERD).

The warning comes as the scheme continues preparations for the mobilisation of a fresh batch of prospective corps members, while also intensifying efforts to ensure their safety during orientation camp journeys.

In a public notice shared on its official X account on Monday, the NYSC declared that NERD clearance is now compulsory for all prospective corps members.

The scheme urged prospective corps members to complete the process early to avoid delays in mobilisation.

It also cautioned that failure to obtain the clearance could delay mobilisation into the national service programme.
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“This is to inform PCMs (Prospective Corps Members) that without NERD clearance, no NYSC. Get your NERD clearance early. Avoid delays in your mobilisation.”

Reiterating the mandatory nature of the requirement, the NYSC stated, “NERD clearance is compulsory for all PCMs. No NERD clearance, No NYSC!!!”

Although the scheme did not provide additional details about the clearance process in the notice, the directive signals a stricter verification regime as preparations continue for the next orientation exercise.

The latest advisory comes barely hours after the NYSC announced the mobilisation of another batch of prospective corps members for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ service year, urging institutions and eligible graduates to complete all necessary documentation ahead of the orientation exercise.

It also follows another recent safety advisory by the scheme in which prospective corps members were warned against travelling at night to orientation camps.

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The NYSC advised them to break their journeys whenever necessary and lodge in safe locations or designated military and security formations where available, rather than risk travelling after dark.

The renewed advisories reflect the scheme’s efforts to improve both the integrity of its mobilisation process and the safety of prospective corps members, amid growing security concerns on Nigerian highways.

With mobilisation activities gathering pace, prospective corps members are expected to complete all required registration and verification procedures, including the newly emphasised NERD clearance, before reporting for orientation camp.

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Viral Video: Nigerian girls detained in Mauritius regain freedom

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The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has confirmed the release of the Nigerian girls who were recently detained abroad, saying they are on their way back to Nairobi.

The development follows public concern over a viral video showing the girls in detention, which prompted calls for the Nigerian government to intervene.

On Instagram, #Queenbethia had posted the video on Sunday: “Pls tag every relevant authority because this is nonsense !!!! This cannot keep happening!! Mauritius is notorious for this !!!”

They have been held at the Mauritius airport since July 31, 2026, she lamented.

NiDCOM, in a statement issued on Monday by its Digital Media Unit, disclosed that the girls had regained their freedom and that efforts were underway to ensure the circumstances surrounding their detention were fully addressed.“The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) wishes to inform the public that the Nigerian girls who were previously detained have been released.

“They are currently on their way back to Nairobi,” the commission stated.

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NiDCOM added that its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, was engaging the relevant Nigerian mission to pursue the matter with the authorities in the country where the incident occurred.“The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is actively engaging the relevant Nigerian Embassy who have formally taken up this matter with the authorities of the country concerned, to ensure full accountability and prevent any recurrence,” the statement read.

The commission reiterated its commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians living or travelling abroad, saying the intervention aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed focus on citizens’ welfare.

“NiDCOM, in line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, remains committed to the welfare and protection of all Nigerians home and abroad,” it added.

NiDCOM did not disclose the identities of the girls, the country where they were detained, or the circumstances that led to their arrest.

The commission also did not indicate when they are expected to arrive in Nairobi or Nigeria.

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Similarly, neither the Mauritius government nor the airport have spoken officially about the reasons behind their delay at the airport.

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Enugu community alleges imposition of traditional ruler, insists on election

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By Chinedu Sabastine

ENUGU — Tension is mounting in Umuchigbo Iji Nike Autonomous Community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State as hundreds of indigenes have rejected the alleged appointment of a traditional ruler, insisting that only a transparent election can produce their Igwe.

The residents, who gathered at the community square on weekend, declared that the autonomous community has no recognised traditional ruler and appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to direct the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct an election in line with the community’s constitution.

The protest followed reports that Jude Agu had been presented as the community’s traditional ruler, a move the indigenes described as unconstitutional and capable of causing unrest.

The protesters also cited a subsisting interlocutory injunction of the Enugu State High Court restraining Jude Agu from parading himself as Igwe or Igwe-elect of the community pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The order, delivered on July 25, 2025, by Justice A.A. Onovo in a suit No E/491/2023 filed by Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete against Jude Agu and Hon. Kenneth Mbah, directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the case is determined.

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The indigenes argued that recognising any monarch without an election amounted to disregarding both the community’s constitution and a valid court order.

Addressing journalists, community elder Chief Gabriel Okoh accused former Town Union Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Mbah, of frustrating an earlier election process.

“Umuchigbo people are against imposition. All we want is election. If Jude Agu wants to be Igwe, he should come to the village square and contest like every other aspirant,” he said.

Youth leader Anthony Ikechukwu Anike warned that imposing a monarch without the consent of the people could trigger avoidable tension.

“The matter is still in court, yet we are hearing that someone has received a staff of office. We will pursue every legal means to protect our rights. The government should come and conduct a transparent election,” he said.

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Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, retired Permanent Secretary Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete said the community’s constitution clearly prescribes election as the only legitimate process for selecting an Igwe.

“Our demand is simple. Let the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs conduct an election as it has done in other communities. Whoever wins should become the Igwe. We are not against anybody; we are against imposition. We are not against anybody becoming Igwe. We are only saying that whoever wants the throne should submit to a transparent election.” Chief Ekete said.

Other aspirants, Chief Joseph Iloka and Chief Josephat Ezeoha, also backed the call for a transparent election, insisting that the people should be allowed to freely choose their traditional ruler.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain the reaction of the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs were unsuccessful.

Umuchigbo community rejects ‘appointed’ monarch, insists on election

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By Chinedu Adonu

ENUGU — Tension is mounting in Umuchigbo Iji Nike Autonomous Community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State as hundreds of indigenes have rejected the alleged appointment of a traditional ruler, insisting that only a transparent election can produce their Igwe.

The residents, who gathered at the community square on weekend, declared that the autonomous community has no recognised traditional ruler and appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to direct the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct an election in line with the community’s constitution.

The protest followed reports that Jude Agu had been presented as the community’s traditional ruler, a move the indigenes described as unconstitutional and capable of causing unrest.

The protesters also cited a subsisting interlocutory injunction of the Enugu State High Court restraining Jude Agu from parading himself as Igwe or Igwe-elect of the community pending the determination of the substantive suit.

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The order, delivered on July 25, 2025, by Justice A.A. Onovo in a suit No E/491/2023 filed by Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete against Jude Agu and Hon. Kenneth Mbah, directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the case is determined.

The indigenes argued that recognising any monarch without an election amounted to disregarding both the community’s constitution and a valid court order.

Addressing journalists, community elder Chief Gabriel Okoh accused former Town Union Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Mbah, of frustrating an earlier election process.

“Umuchigbo people are against imposition. All we want is election. If Jude Agu wants to be Igwe, he should come to the village square and contest like every other aspirant,” he said.

Youth leader Anthony Ikechukwu Anike warned that imposing a monarch without the consent of the people could trigger avoidable tension.

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“The matter is still in court, yet we are hearing that someone has received a staff of office. We will pursue every legal means to protect our rights. The government should come and conduct a transparent election,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, retired Permanent Secretary Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete said the community’s constitution clearly prescribes election as the only legitimate process for selecting an Igwe.

“Our demand is simple. Let the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs conduct an election as it has done in other communities. Whoever wins should become the Igwe. We are not against anybody; we are against imposition. We are not against anybody becoming Igwe. We are only saying that whoever wants the throne should submit to a transparent election.” Chief Ekete said.

Other aspirants, Chief Joseph Iloka and Chief Josephat Ezeoha, also backed the call for a transparent election, insisting that the people should be allowed to freely choose their traditional ruler.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain the reaction of the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs were unsuccessful.

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Umuchigbo community rejects ‘appointed’ monarch, insists on election

By Chinedu Adonu

ENUGU — Tension is mounting in Umuchigbo Iji Nike Autonomous Community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State as hundreds of indigenes have rejected the alleged appointment of a traditional ruler, insisting that only a transparent election can produce their Igwe.

The residents, who gathered at the community square on weekend, declared that the autonomous community has no recognised traditional ruler and appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to direct the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct an election in line with the community’s constitution.

The protest followed reports that Jude Agu had been presented as the community’s traditional ruler, a move the indigenes described as unconstitutional and capable of causing unrest.

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The protesters also cited a subsisting interlocutory injunction of the Enugu State High Court restraining Jude Agu from parading himself as Igwe or Igwe-elect of the community pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The order, delivered on July 25, 2025, by Justice A.A. Onovo in a suit No E/491/2023 filed by Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete against Jude Agu and Hon. Kenneth Mbah, directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the case is determined.

The indigenes argued that recognising any monarch without an election amounted to disregarding both the community’s constitution and a valid court order.

Addressing journalists, community elder Chief Gabriel Okoh accused former Town Union Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Mbah, of frustrating an earlier election process.

“Umuchigbo people are against imposition. All we want is election. If Jude Agu wants to be Igwe, he should come to the village square and contest like every other aspirant,” he said.

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Youth leader Anthony Ikechukwu Anike warned that imposing a monarch without the consent of the people could trigger avoidable tension.

“The matter is still in court, yet we are hearing that someone has received a staff of office. We will pursue every legal means to protect our rights. The government should come and conduct a transparent election,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, retired Permanent Secretary Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete said the community’s constitution clearly prescribes election as the only legitimate process for selecting an Igwe.

“Our demand is simple. Let the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs conduct an election as it has done in other communities. Whoever wins should become the Igwe. We are not against anybody; we are against imposition. We are not against anybody becoming Igwe. We are only saying that whoever wants the throne should submit to a transparent election.” Chief Ekete said.

Other aspirants, Chief Joseph Iloka and Chief Josephat Ezeoha, also backed the call for a transparent election, insisting that the people should be allowed to freely choose their traditional ruler.

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As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain the reaction of the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs were unsuccessful.

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The Great Recalibration: How President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Is Restructuring Nigeria for a Stronger Tomorrow

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By RT HON
CHINEDUM ENYINNAYA ORJI

“You cannot build a house for tomorrow on the weak foundation of yesterday. We must lay new blocks, even when the rain is falling.”— Adapted from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Three years into his presidency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has embarked on what may be the most deliberate economic and governance recalibration Nigeria has seen in a generation.

He came into office on May 29, 2023 with a clear declaration: “Fuel subsidy is gone.” In that single sentence, he signaled that the era of deferring hard choices had ended.

Restructuring, at its core, is about rearranging the house so it can stand longer and serve more people. For Nigeria, that meant confronting distortions that had weakened public finances, scared investors, and made planning impossible.

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The first pillar of this restructuring is fiscal discipline. By removing the costly petrol subsidy and cutting electricity subsidies, the administration stopped the bleeding of trillions of naira that once vanished into opaque payments.

The results are already visible in the numbers. The fiscal deficit narrowed from 5.4 percent of GDP in 2023 to approximately 3 percent in 2024, while federation revenue rose from ₦16.8 trillion to ₦31.9 trillion.

That new revenue is not sitting idle. It is being channeled into roads, rails, power, and social programs that touch ordinary citizens directly. More than 2,700 kilometers of roads are under construction or rehabilitation nationwide.

The second pillar is monetary credibility. The unification of exchange rates and clearing of a $4 billion FX backlog restored confidence in the naira and in Nigeria’s commitment to market-based policies.

That credibility has produced tangible dividends. The stock market surged nearly fivefold to a record 250,000 points, market capitalization grew, and international rating agency Fitch upgraded Nigeria from B- to B in April 2025.

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Foreign investors, who had stayed on the sidelines, are returning. New oil and gas investments are being announced, domestic refining capacity is rising, and fuel imports are falling, easing pressure on our foreign exchange.

The third pillar is sectoral transformation. Recognizing that oil alone cannot carry Nigeria’s future, President Tinubu approved a Presidential Petroleum Reform and Value Optimisation Taskforce to design the next phase of structural reforms in that sector.

The Taskforce is not another talking shop. It is a time-bound technical body charged with delivering execution-ready blueprints to unlock capital, improve transparency, and position Nigeria as a leading global energy investment destination.

Beyond oil, the February 2026 launch of the Nigeria Industrial Policy marks a decisive shift toward manufacturing, value addition, and job creation. The goal is a $1 trillion economy in five years, driven by inclusive and decentralized growth.

This is restructuring with a human face. Through NELFUND, millions of Nigerian students now have access to loans to stay in school. The CNG program is reducing transport costs and easing the burden of subsidy removal on households.

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Governance itself is being rewired. The Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan is mapping economic potential across all 8,809 wards, ensuring that planning starts from the grassroots and moves upward to the state and federal levels.

Such decentralization matters. When wards have data, they have a voice. When local governments have more resources, service delivery improves. That is how accountability becomes real, not theoretical.

On security, the administration has intensified operations against banditry, insurgency, and criminal gangs. The link is clear: no investor builds factories where there is no peace, and no farmer feeds the nation where there is no safety.

A good example is the renewed engagement with Ogoni communities. By addressing historical grievances, the government is creating the conditions to restart oil exploration in a way that benefits both the people and the treasury.

Critics are right to point out the hardship. The cost-of-living squeeze has been severe, and inflation remains a challenge. But restructuring is not magic. It is medicine, and medicine often tastes bitter before it heals.

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What distinguishes this moment is political will. Previous administrations discussed these reforms for decades. President Tinubu chose to act in the first week, knowing the political cost, because the economic cost of delay was higher.

The international community has noticed. The World Bank’s April 2026 Nigeria Development Update and the IMF’s 2025 Article IV Consultation both acknowledge significant progress in restoring macroeconomic stability.

More importantly, Nigerians are beginning to see the logic. A stable currency means businesses can plan. More revenue to states means more projects in communities. More transparency means fewer excuses.

The central test ahead is jobs. With 3.5 million Nigerians entering the labor force each year, the restructuring must now translate into employment-intensive growth. The industrial policy and infrastructure push are designed for exactly that.

This is not about one man or one party. It is about laying a foundation that no future government can afford to ignore. Institutions, rules, and incentives are being reset.

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History will judge this period not by the pain of the transition, but by whether we used the pain to build something durable. The early signs suggest we are.

President Tinubu’s restructuring is far from complete, but it has already changed the trajectory. Nigeria is no longer drifting. It is recalibrating, with purpose, toward a future where our resources work for our people, and where governance finally matches our potential.
RT HON
Chinedum Enyinnaya orji
APC House of Representatives Candidate for Ikwuano Umuahia Fed. Constituency writes from Amaokwe Ugba Ibeku, Abia State.

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