President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged to prioritize the restoration of public trust and embrace state policing as a critical solution to Nigeria’s escalating insecurity challenges.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, these calls were made by experts and stakeholders across key sectors—including security, economy, and agriculture—on the occasion of Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.

The stakeholders further advised President Tinubu to take this milestone as an opportunity to reassess current policies and implement bold, people-focused measures that deliver real benefits to ordinary Nigerians.

Since taking office on May 29, 2023, Tinubu’s economic agenda—highlighted by the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate—has received praise from global institutions such as the World Bank and IMF.

However, critics argue that these reforms have significantly increased hardship, pushed more citizens into poverty, and worsened security conditions across the country.

While the federal government has pointed to what it describes as major achievements—such as increased revenue, infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and an uptick in oil production to 1.61 million barrels per day—many experts believe the benefits are not filtering down to the grassroots.

The government has also cited over $500 million in foreign direct investment, a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative projected to save over ₦2 trillion monthly by cutting petrol imports, and various social welfare interventions.

These include:

• ₦95.6 billion approved for a Student Loan Scheme

• Over ₦200 billion for the Consumer Credit Corporation

• ₦570 billion distributed to states for livelihood support

• A new minimum wage of ₦70,000

• Increased NYSC allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000

• Tariff waivers on essential food and drug imports.

Despite these efforts, experts say there remains a deep gap between policy intentions and the harsh realities faced by Nigerians.

The 2024 Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) highlights growing insecurity, food and headline inflation, and a worsening standard of living in many parts of the country, including the FCT.

In a recent interview with Daily Trust, Dr. Kabir Adamu, CEO of Beacon Security & Intelligence Ltd, acknowledged government efforts against terrorism and banditry. However, he noted a troubling rise in kidnappings and violent crimes, emphasizing that without a strong, localized security structure—particularly state police—these efforts will have limited impact.

Dr. Adamu applauded initiatives like the recruitment of 129,000 forest guards, but warned that security would remain theoretical unless reforms lead to concrete changes at the grassroots level.

“What we need is a well-funded, community-driven security strategy,” he said.

‘Economic Reforms Could Be Remembered for Worsening Hardship’

On the economic front, Dr. Vincent Nwanma, an economic analyst, urged the government to invest more in social infrastructure and take steps to rebuild public confidence.

“If these reforms don’t translate into real improvements soon, they risk being remembered more for the pain they caused than any progress achieved,” he warned.

Agricultural stakeholders also raised concerns about ongoing food insecurity, despite the administration’s support programmes. Kabiru Ibrahim, President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), cited persistent insecurity, climate change, and inadequate mechanization as major barriers to food production. He added that the government has repeatedly turned to temporary import waivers, such as those granted from July to December 2024, to cushion shortfalls.

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