By Charles Pemu 
Abuja – Two years into his presidency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his administration’s sweeping reforms, declaring them essential to saving Nigeria’s economy. but opposition leaders and many citizens say the costs have been devastating.
Tinubu cited a jump in foreign reserves from $4 billion to $23 billion and a reduction in the fiscal deficit as signs of progress. He said removing fuel subsidies and unifying exchange rates were “urgent steps” to avert collapse.
“Our economy demanded urgent repair. These reforms were necessary,” he said.
The government claims food prices are stabilising, oil sector activity is rebounding, and tax reforms have boosted revenue without rate hikes. It also touts progress in healthcare, security, and infrastructure, including roads, cancer centres, and energy access for rural communities.
But critics are unconvinced.
The Peoples Democratic Party accused Tinubu of deepening poverty, calling for his resignation. The Labour Party cited skyrocketing fuel prices, currency collapse, and rising unemployment. The CUPP went further, calling this administration the “worst since independence.”
Meanwhile, the APC insists Tinubu is “on the right track,” with former President Buhari urging that reforms not be derailed by politics.
As Nigeria enters the second half of Tinubu’s term, the president faces rising pressure to turn policy ambition into measurable improvements in daily life. The clock is ticking and the public is watching.