Dumebi Ifeanyichukwu: Tinubu- The courage to reform and the vision to finish

Three years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office, Nigeria's economic trajectory has shifted. The country faced challenging conditions, including fuel subsidy costs, foreign exchange issues, low revenues, and investor uncertainty. Instead of delaying tough decisions, Tinubu tackled them head-on. The removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market were bold moves, but they have led to increased macroeconomic stability and resilience.

International bodies like the IMF and World Bank have recognized these reforms, with the IMF noting improved fiscal stability and the World Bank highlighting the progress in restoring economic stability. Real GDP growth in 2025 reached 3.87 percent, an increase from 3.38 percent in 2024, and a further 4.43 percent growth was seen in the second quarter of 2026.

The World Bank attributes this growth to services like ICT, finance, and real estate, along with stronger agricultural and construction sectors. Strengthened foreign exchange reserves and a substantial current account surplus are also indicators of the improving economy. Even credit rating agency Moody's upgraded Nigeria's credit outlook from stable to positive in August 2026, citing stronger growth and resilience.

However, despite these improvements, many Nigerians continue to struggle with household incomes and living standards. Infrastructure development is a key component of Tinubu's vision. Over 2,700 kilometers of highways, roads, railroads, and ports are under construction or being upgraded. The administration aims to reduce the cost of transportation and improve connectivity, which will in turn support economic growth.

Agriculture is another priority for the Tinubu administration. Recognizing that food security is essential for national security, the government is promoting mechanization, irrigation, inputs, finance, processing, and market access. The Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme deployed 2,000 tractors in 2025, and the National Agricultural Development Fund plans to deploy 10,000 tractors over five years.

These efforts aim to create an agricultural economy that generates employment and reduces dependence on imports. Education reform is also a critical part of Tinubu's strategy. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has enabled hundreds of thousands of students to pursue tertiary education who otherwise could not afford it. In 2026, over 788,000 students were supported through NELFUND, and the government has invested in tertiary infrastructure through TETFund, building new science complexes and libraries.

Similarly, healthcare is being reoriented to bring quality care closer to ordinary Nigerians. Primary healthcare services have seen a significant increase in utilization, from about 10 million visits in early 2024 to roughly 45 million by mid-2025. The government's goal is to expand functional primary healthcare centers across the country and link them to emergency care systems.

Housing is also receiving attention, with programs like the Renewed Hope Housing Programme and initiatives by the Federal Housing Authority delivering thousands of homes across states and the FCT. These projects are projected to create over 300,000 jobs. Together, these efforts aim to build a prosperous Nigeria where infrastructure supports economic growth, agriculture drives productivity, education empowers the workforce, healthcare provides quality care, and housing ensures affordable living spaces.