THREE YEARS OF TINUBU ADMINISTRATION: PROMISES, GAINS, FAILURES AND THE ROAD TO 2027
Editorial
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked three years in office on 29 May 2026, having been sworn in as Nigeria’s 16th President on 29 May 2023 at Eagle Square, Abuja, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima. His emergence followed the February 2023 general election, where he was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after a tightly contested race involving Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
From the day he assumed office, Tinubu made it clear that his administration would take tough economic decisions, starting with his famous declaration in his inaugural speech that “fuel subsidy is gone.” That single policy direction became the foundation of his economic agenda and also the starting point of widespread debate, hardship, and reform across the country.
What Tinubu Promised In 2023
During his campaign and early speeches, Tinubu promised to revive Nigeria’s struggling economy through infrastructure expansion, job creation, improved electricity supply, stronger security, and economic reforms that would attract foreign investment. He also pledged to support youth empowerment, strengthen education financing, and reduce poverty through targeted social programmes.
A major part of his agenda was to remove what his team described as “wasteful subsidies,” unify Nigeria’s foreign exchange system, and stabilise government finances. These reforms were presented as necessary steps to prevent fiscal collapse and reposition Nigeria for long-term growth.
Major Policies And Decisions
Shortly after taking office, Tinubu removed fuel subsidy in May 2023, leading to an immediate increase in petrol prices and transport costs nationwide. The administration also moved to float the naira, unify exchange rates, and implement tax and fiscal reforms through committees set up in 2023 and 2024.
The government also launched programmes such as student loan schemes, infrastructure funding drives, and renewed investment pushes in roads, rail, and energy. According to official statements in 2026, over 2,700 kilometres of roads are under construction or rehabilitation, alongside ongoing rail projects aimed at improving transport connectivity.
Economic Performance: Gains And Pressure
Supporters of the administration argue that Nigeria has recorded some macroeconomic improvements, especially in revenue generation and investor confidence. Reports in 2025–2026 show that the fiscal deficit narrowed, foreign reserves improved, and oil production increased, boosting government earnings.
Recent economic assessments also suggest some growth in GDP and partial stabilisation in key sectors. The government has repeatedly pointed to rising stock market performance and increased infrastructure spending as evidence that reforms are working.
However, these gains have come with heavy costs for ordinary Nigerians.
Hardship And Public Reaction
Since 2023, Nigerians have faced high inflation, rising food prices, expensive transportation, and increased cost of living. The removal of fuel subsidy in particular triggered a chain reaction that affected electricity tariffs, transport fares, and household spending.
Many citizens describe the past three years as some of the most difficult economically in recent memory. Labour unions, civil society groups, and market associations have repeatedly staged protests or issued warnings over the rising cost of living.
Security challenges have also remained a concern, with continued incidents of banditry, kidnappings, and local conflicts in parts of the country, despite military operations and reforms.
What Has Worked And What Has Not
On the positive side, the administration can point to fiscal restructuring, infrastructure expansion, increased oil output, and renewed foreign investment interest. The government also argues that painful reforms were necessary to avoid economic collapse.
On the negative side, critics say the reforms were introduced too quickly and without enough cushioning for citizens, leading to worsening poverty levels, business closures in some sectors, and deep public frustration. Inflation and unemployment remain key concerns for many households.
General Public Feeling
Public opinion on Tinubu’s first three years is sharply divided. Some Nigerians believe he is laying the foundation for long-term economic stability, while others feel the reforms have brought severe short-term suffering without immediate relief.
In urban centres, businesses complain about high operating costs, while rural communities continue to struggle with insecurity and rising food prices. At the same time, government supporters argue that patience is needed for reforms to fully deliver results.
Political Direction And 2027 Ambition
As the administration marks three years in office, attention has already shifted to the 2027 general election cycle. President Tinubu has openly signalled his intention to seek a second term, a move consistent with Nigeria’s constitutional allowance of two terms.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has also publicly endorsed him as its likely candidate for 2027, positioning him as the party’s flagbearer in the next election cycle.
Conclusion
Three years into Tinubu’s presidency, Nigeria stands at a crossroads between economic reform and public hardship, with supporters pointing to structural improvements and critics highlighting the social cost of those changes.
As the country moves closer to 2027, the big question remains whether the reforms introduced since 2023 will translate into long-term relief for citizens—or whether the political and economic pressure will reshape the direction of the administration in its second term bid.