President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has come under fire following his recent appearance where he addressed pressing national issues. Critics argue that his responses were insufficient, lacking clarity and actionable plans on key concerns such as the fuel subsidy, inflation, and the state of Nigeria’s economy.
Oseni Rufai, a well-known Nigerian commentator and broadcaster, was particularly vocal in expressing dissatisfaction with the President’s press conference. According to Rufai, “The president didn’t provide answers to most of the questions. There was no depth, no clarity.” He added that Tinubu’s failure to explain critical aspects of the government’s economic policies leaves citizens in the dark.
One of the most glaring issues that emerged during the press briefing was the subsidy question. President Tinubu, while acknowledging the existence of the subsidy, failed to provide specifics on the government’s stance. Critics were left bewildered as the President stopped short of confirming that the subsidy was paid until early this year, despite previous government claims that there were no subsidies.
Rufai also pointed out that when questioned about tackling Nigeria’s persistent inflation rate, the President’s response was vague. “The President couldn’t articulate how inflation would come down. He just mentioned ‘more production in agriculture’ with no clear plan,” Rufai noted. The lack of concrete details regarding economic policies has left many questioning the administration’s commitment to alleviating the financial struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
Further fueling concerns, the President appeared ill-prepared to discuss the state of Nigeria’s foreign exchange market. When pressed about the challenges posed by the devaluation of the Naira, Tinubu failed to offer an insightful or well-structured response. “The forex market and its inhibitions were not addressed clearly,” Rufai remarked. “The President didn’t explain how his administration plans to stabilize the currency or reverse the devaluation trend that has crippled many businesses and citizens alike.”
Another point of contention was the President’s defense of his cabinet. Despite a series of criticisms regarding the size and efficiency of the government, Tinubu insisted that the size of his cabinet was justified. “He contradicted himself by talking about reducing the cost of government while defending a bloated cabinet,” Rufai said, pointing out the contradiction in the President’s statements. Tinubu also suggested that citizens should highlight underperforming ministers, but this, too, was met with skepticism.
“Why is the minister in charge of the solid minerals sector not delivering on the promises he made? And what is happening in the marine economy?” Rufai questioned. “Even the minister of power hasn’t ensured that electricity is stable. The ‘Band A’ system has collapsed as they hardly get power.”
In a bid to rally support, Tinubu briefly touched on the government’s plans in solid minerals and the marine economy, but critics argue that these brief mentions lacked the necessary details to reassure the public about the feasibility of the policies.
The President’s comments on the proposed tax bill also left much to be desired. When asked about the controversial VAT bill, Tinubu struggled to present a clear and compelling case to the public. Rufai said the President “didn’t expatriate on the tax bill properly or sell it effectively to the people.” This lack of persuasive communication on the matter leaves the public skeptical about the impact of the new tax policies.
As Nigeria continues to face increasing economic challenges, such as the collapse of essential systems like the power sector and the spiraling cost of living, the public’s confidence in the government’s ability to deliver effective change is eroding. Rufai’s comments highlight the growing frustration with the administration’s seeming inability to translate promises into tangible actions.
“Hope is not an empirical proposition,” Rufai emphasized. “The President must show action and provide clear policy direction. Nigerians are tired of vague assurances and need to see real progress.”
Adding to the concerns is the administration’s failure to follow through on several key promises made during Tinubu’s campaign. One of the promises that is yet to materialize is the government’s plan to facilitate the cultivation of 10 million hectares of farmland. Despite this ambitious goal, there has been little to no progress or communication on how the policy will be implemented.
“The import waiver on food has failed,” Rufai said, criticizing the President for not addressing the issue. “Nothing has been said about it till now. The government must address these concerns with more than just empty promises. Farmers are waiting for the loans that were promised, but how will these policies be executed?”
This press briefing took place amid growing concerns about the state of the Nigerian economy. Inflation, which has hovered around 22%, continues to burden ordinary Nigerians, particularly in urban areas. The cost of goods and services has risen sharply, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. The energy crisis, especially in the power sector, has made matters worse, with businesses and households relying on expensive diesel-powered generators to meet their energy needs.
