Nigeria’s current situation has worsened compared to when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, according to former presidential aide Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.
Baba-Ahmed, who previously served as Special Adviser to the president on political matters, made the remarks during an interview on Trust TV on Tuesday. Speaking on the state of the nation, he raised concerns about worsening insecurity and declining living conditions, saying the country is facing more serious challenges than anticipated three years ago.
“We are in deeper trouble than when you came,” Baba-Ahmed said, referring to the Tinubu administration. “Violence is becoming more serious than we expected. Three years into this presidency, we are seeing an escalation in both the pattern and impact of violence across the country.”
His comments come at a time when many Nigerians are expressing frustration over economic hardship and persistent security threats. Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has introduced major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system. While the government says these policies are necessary to stabilise the economy in the long term, they have led to higher fuel prices, inflation, and increased cost of living in the short term.
Baba-Ahmed argued that the government has not done enough to ease the burden on ordinary citizens or improve security across the country. According to him, the scale of violence being experienced in parts of Nigeria today is unprecedented.
“This is a president who came to power promising to end insecurity and create better living conditions,” he said. “But today, many Nigerians do not feel safer, and life has not become easier.”
Security has remained one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges for over a decade. Armed banditry, kidnapping for ransom, insurgency in the North-East, and clashes between farmers and herders continue to affect many communities. Despite efforts by security agencies, attacks still occur in several states, raising questions about the effectiveness of government strategies.
Baba-Ahmed specifically pointed to recent incidents in Borno State, a region long affected by insurgency. He described the attacks as some of the most horrifying seen in recent times, noting that they happened just days before the president embarked on an official trip abroad.
“It is troubling that such serious attacks happened, and shortly after, the president travelled with a large delegation,” he said. “The timing raises concerns about priorities and the message it sends to Nigerians who are suffering.”
President Tinubu recently travelled to the United Kingdom on a state visit, accompanied by several ministers and government officials. Reports described the visit as successful in terms of diplomatic engagement and attracting investment. However, critics argue that such trips can appear insensitive when urgent issues at home remain unresolved.
The presidency has repeatedly defended its actions, stating that tackling Nigeria’s problems requires both domestic reforms and international partnerships. Government officials maintain that progress is being made in security operations and economic recovery, even if the results are not yet fully visible.
Supporters of the administration also argue that many of Nigeria’s challenges did not begin in 2023. They point to years of underinvestment, corruption, and structural weaknesses as the root causes of current problems. According to them, the Tinubu government inherited a difficult situation and needs more time to deliver results.
However, Baba-Ahmed disagreed with this view, insisting that leadership should be judged by its ability to improve conditions within a reasonable period.
“Every government inherits problems,” he said. “What matters is whether you are able to reduce those problems and improve the lives of your people. Right now, many Nigerians feel things have become worse.”
Economic data in recent months shows rising inflation and continued pressure on household incomes. Food prices have increased sharply, and many families are struggling to meet basic needs. At the same time, businesses are dealing with higher operating costs, leading to job losses in some sectors.
For many Nigerians, the key issues remain simple: safety, affordability, and opportunity. As debates continue over the performance of the current administration, citizens are looking for practical solutions rather than political arguments.