Bola Tinubu reforms — As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election, opposition politicians have escalated what many observers describe as a campaign of misinformation and propaganda aimed at diminishing the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

However, according to Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the narrative has changed dramatically in the last three years, as the administration now boasts of “undeniable economic and infrastructural milestones” despite inheriting a troubled economy in 2023.

Onanuga stated that while criticism of the government may have resonated during the difficult early months of reform, the current realities across states and local governments now tell a different story.

Bola Tinubu reforms — States Benefiting From Tinubu’s Policies

According to him, many states that struggled to pay salaries before May 2023 now enjoy improved financial stability due to increased allocations from the Federation Account.

“States that hitherto were unable to pay salaries by May 2023, with months of unpaid obligations to workers and pensioners, are now doing so with ease and dreaming big about infrastructure,” Onanuga wrote.

He added that governors across party lines have openly acknowledged the impact of Tinubu’s fiscal reforms on their ability to execute projects.

The presidential aide cited governors from Ogun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Enugu, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Katsina as examples of states currently experiencing infrastructural growth.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State reportedly summed it up by saying President Tinubu “has taken the bullets for all of them.”

Bola Tinubu reforms — Tough Reforms, Tougher Decisions

Onanuga recalled that President Tinubu inherited severe economic challenges, including petrol scarcity, multiple exchange rates, mounting debt servicing obligations and widespread salary arrears.

“In May 2023, President Tinubu inherited acute petrol scarcity, an unsustainable petrol subsidy regime, multiple exchange rates, arbitrage and low revenue,” he stated.

The administration immediately removed fuel subsidy, floated the Naira and introduced tax reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Although the reforms triggered inflation and hardship in the short term, Onanuga insisted Tinubu refused to abandon the policies despite public pressure and opposition attacks.

“If not sure of the salience of his reforms, President Tinubu would have taken a reverse gear in fright and abandoned all the new reform policies,” he said.

Instead, he argued, the government stayed the course and is now seeing positive results.

Bola Tinubu reforms — Stock Market Growth And Investor Confidence

Onanuga pointed to the Nigerian stock market as evidence that the reforms are yielding results.

According to him, the All-Share Index rose from 53,000 points in May 2023 to over 250,000 points, while market capitalisation increased from N30 trillion to about N160 trillion.

“Blue-chip companies are declaring record profits and dividends, while foreign portfolio investors are flocking into the Nigerian economy,” he added.

He described the development as “a fundamental paradigm shift” driven by the administration’s economic direction.

Massive Infrastructure Push

The presidential spokesman also defended the administration’s large-scale road and rail projects.

He praised ongoing projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, describing them as some of the most ambitious projects undertaken since independence.

“President Tinubu has proven to be a transformative leader who has decided to turn these roads into reality,” he said.

Onanuga dismissed criticism over borrowing for infrastructure development, arguing that relying solely on federal allocations would delay such projects for decades.

He also highlighted investments in rail transportation, including the Kaduna-Kano-Gusau-Maradi rail line and proposed city rail networks in Kaduna, Lagos, Kano and Enugu.

Oil Sector Reforms And Energy Security

According to Onanuga, Tinubu’s reforms in the oil and gas sector have revived investor confidence and improved energy security.

He said the administration’s policies, including the Naira-for-crude initiative and the end of fuel subsidy, have attracted fresh investments from international oil companies.

“Domestic refining and the innovative Naira-for-crude policy are ensuring energy security,” he stated.

He further noted that the government recently mandated the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to remit oil proceeds directly into the Federation Account.

Electricity And Power Sector Reforms

Responding to criticism over electricity supply, Onanuga accused critics of distorting President Tinubu’s campaign promises.

He explained that electricity distribution companies remain responsible for delivering power to consumers, while the Federal Government focuses on fixing structural issues in the sector.

According to him, the administration has strengthened the national grid, activated idle power generation companies and introduced over 2.5 million electricity meters nationwide.

He also announced the creation of the Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO) to optimise power distribution.

Education, NELFUND And CREDICORP

The administration equally highlighted achievements in education and consumer credit schemes.

Onanuga said NELFUND has committed over N282 billion to student loans and support programmes, benefiting about 1.6 million Nigerian students.

“Today, a four-year programme in the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education is completed in four years,” he stated.

He also praised CREDICORP for making loans available to civil servants to purchase Made-In-Nigeria products.

Additionally, he noted that technical schools now provide allowances to vocational students, while TETFUND continues to support academic research grants.

Security Challenges Persist

Despite the administration’s achievements, Onanuga admitted that insecurity remains a major concern.

He acknowledged ongoing attacks by bandits and terrorists in vulnerable communities but insisted the government continues to support the military, police and intelligence agencies with modern tools and international partnerships.

“With support from friendly governments like the US, France and the UK, there is hope that the menace of kidnappers and their political sponsors will become history,” he stated.

He concluded by saying President Tinubu remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s future.

“The man who has taken the bullets to make Nigeria survive a fiscal disaster is even more willing to take additional bullets to make all Nigerians safe,” Onanuga declared.

Onanuga is the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy.