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What can Tinubu do differently?, By Remi Ladigbolu
NG🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive9 days ago

What can Tinubu do differently?, By Remi Ladigbolu

The article discusses President Bola Tinubu's administration and questions what further actions could be taken to improve Nigeria's economic situation. It references comments from Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, during an interview where he emphasized asking leaders 'what they will do differently.' The piece highlights several economic reforms implemented over the past three years, including the removal of petrol subsidies, changes to the foreign exchange market, tax administration improvements, and expansion of domestic refining. It notes positive assessments from the World Bank and IMF regarding macroeconomic stability and progress, though challenges like poverty and food insecurity persist. The article also mentions increased Federation Account allocations and improved tax collection, which provide more financial flexibility for state governments. However, it underscores the need to convert these gains into effective services, investment, and social protection without increasing government costs.

Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate for the African Action Congress, has accused the federal government of misleading Nigerians through selective economic data, urging officials to focus on tangible improvements in daily life rather than abstract financial indicators. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Sowore criticized the administration's reliance on rising revenue and macroeconomic figures to justify ongoing economic reforms, asserting that these metrics have failed to alleviate the hardships faced by ordinary citizens. Sowore emphasized that the true measure of effective economic policy lies in its impact on the standard of living, job creation, business sustainability, educational access, security, and wage levels. He pointed out that Nigerians continue to struggle with multidimensional poverty, despite government claims of progress. According to Sowore, the current economic narrative fails to address the core concerns of the populace, whether they can afford basic necessities and whether reforms are genuinely improving their quality of life. He denounced the government for presenting statistical gains as evidence of improvement, suggesting this tactic serves to manipulate public perception. Sowore argued that while figures such as the tax-to-GDP ratio may rise, they do not reflect the reality on the ground. Instead, he called for visible outcomes such as new industries, job opportunities, infrastructure projects, and enhanced public services as proof of successful reform. Sowore highlighted the detrimental effects of removing fuel subsidies, which he claimed have exacerbated the economic burden on average Nigerians. While acknowledging that subsidies exist globally to support vulnerable populations and key sectors, he noted that in Nigeria, the primary beneficiaries are often the wealthy. He accused affluent individuals and corporations of receiving preferential treatment through tax waivers and customs exemptions, while the poor face immediate financial strain due to increased fuel prices. Sowore further linked the removal of subsidies to broader economic challenges, including the depreciation of the Nigerian naira and deteriorating living standards. He described the situation as a direct consequence of policy decisions that prioritize short-term fiscal adjustments over long-term stability and equity. The former military leader stressed that economic strategies must be reoriented to benefit the majority of the population rather than concentrating resources among a select group. In his critique, Sowore advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s economic management framework. He proposed that government initiatives should aim to elevate the minimum wage, bolster local enterprises, and expand access to critical services such as education and healthcare. His vision includes policies that ensure economic growth translates into measurable improvements in everyday life for all Nigerians. Sowore concluded by emphasizing that economic reforms should ultimately serve the interests of the general populace, ensuring that prosperity is shared equitably across society. His remarks underscore the growing frustration among citizens who feel excluded from the benefits of national economic progress. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Sowore’s call for transparency and accountability in economic policymaking reflects a broader demand for systemic change in Nigeria’s governance structure.

2 reports

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 809 days ago
What can Tinubu do differently?, By Remi Ladigbolu

The article discusses President Bola Tinubu's administration and questions what further actions could be taken to improve Nigeria's economic situation. It references comments from Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, during an interview where he emphasized asking leaders 'what they will do differently.' The piece highlights several economic reforms implemented over the past three years, including the removal of petrol subsidies, changes to the foreign exchange market, tax administration improvements, and expansion of domestic refining. It notes positive assessments from the World Bank and IMF regarding macroeconomic stability and progress, though challenges like poverty and food insecurity persist. The article also mentions increased Federation Account allocations and improved tax collection, which provide more financial flexibility for state governments. However, it underscores the need to convert these gains into effective services, investment, and social protection without increasing government costs.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of the Tinubu administration's achievements and ongoing challenges without overtly favoring any particular political ideology. It cites both international institutions (World Bank, IMF, S&P Global Ratings) and Nigerian officials to evaluate the economic state

Why factuality (85): The article presents factual information based on statements from Zacch Adedeji and references assessments from the World Bank and IMF. It acknowledges both positive developments and ongoing challenges, aligning with cross-source consensus on Nigeria's economic progress and persistent issues like po

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a generally neutral tone, presenting different perspectives and acknowledging both achievements and shortcomings. While it frames the discussion around Tinubu's potential actions, it avoids overt bias and focuses on analysis rather than opinion, contributing to its relatively h

Vanguard Nigeria logoVanguard NigeriaIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 7512 days ago
Economic reforms: Stop deceiving Nigerians with figures, Sowore tells FG

Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate for the African Action Congress, criticized the Nigerian federal government for using economic indicators like revenue growth and tax collection to justify economic reforms, arguing these metrics fail to reflect real improvements in citizens' lives. He emphasized that Nigerians are still multidimensionally poor and that policies such as subsidy removal have exacerbated hardships. Sowore called for tangible evidence of reform success, including new jobs, infrastructure, and improved public services, rather than abstract financial data. He accused the government of misleading the public by focusing on statistical gains while neglecting the lived realities of poverty and economic struggle. Additionally, he condemned the removal of fuel subsidies, claiming it disproportionately affected the poor while benefiting the wealthy.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the criticism of economic policy as a call for transparency and accountability, aligning with progressive critiques of neoliberal economic practices. The emphasis on the disproportionate impact of subsidy removal on the poor, coupled with the accusation that government statistics罔

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports Sowore's statements regarding his criticism of the Nigerian government's economic policies and reliance on macroeconomic indicators. The claims are supported by direct quotes from Sowore and align with the general consensus found in other articles covering the same eve

Why objectivity (75): The article presents Sowore's views without overt bias but uses some emotionally charged language like 'mental adjustment' and 'deceiving Nigerians.' While it does not take a clear political stance, it leans toward presenting Sowore's perspective as valid without significant counterpoints.

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