Two weeks after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inauguration, Nigerians are showing appreciation for the key decisions made by his administration.

Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, and within this short period, he has made some surprising choices. One of these decisions was the elimination of fuel subsidy, a move that has gained support from the public. Additionally, Tinubu suspended the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, marking the first major action taken by his administration.

The suspension of Godwin Emefiele by Tinubu reflects the President’s dissatisfaction with Emefiele’s handling of the country’s monetary system over the past nine years. This move indicates Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the issues and shortcomings in the financial sector. The decision to remove Emefiele from his position demonstrates the President’s determination to bring about positive changes and ensure effective management of Nigeria’s economy.

By making these decisions early on in his presidency, Tinubu is signaling his intent to tackle significant challenges head-on. The removal of fuel subsidy and the suspension of the CBN Governor are seen as bold steps towards addressing long-standing issues and instilling confidence in the administration. These actions have garnered applause from Nigerians, who are hopeful that Tinubu’s presidency will bring about much-needed reforms and improvements in various sectors of the country.

Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), also faced a similar treatment due to a serious allegation of corruption. The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, took decisive action by suspending Bawa, demonstrating his commitment to addressing corruption within the government and the EFCC.

The President’s confident and assured approach in dealing with these issues has caught the attention of many citizens. Tinubu’s words and actions show that he is not merely an aspirant but a sitting President who is fully aware of the challenges faced by Nigeria.

This has led to an increasing number of people being convinced of his genuine understanding of the Nigerian situation and his determination to bring about positive change.

There is a prevailing sentiment among Nigerians that the current administration has achieved in a matter of days or hours what the previous administration either took years to accomplish or completely overlooked. This perception highlights the swift and proactive decision-making by the current government.

Many people are convinced that Nigeria is experiencing positive outcomes as a result of the crucial economic decisions made thus far. These decisions encompass a range of areas, such as the removal of fuel subsidy, the signing of the Electricity Act 2023, the implementation of the data protection Act, the enactment of the Student Loan Act, the unification of the foreign exchange market, and various other measures.

These actions are seen as steps towards addressing longstanding issues and driving progress in the country’s economic landscape.

Indications have emerged suggesting that President Bola Tinubu’s Policy Advisory Council has put forth a recommendation for the merger of several key agencies, namely the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

The council’s proposal aims to enhance the effectiveness of tax collection, encompassing both direct and indirect taxes, as well as levies on behalf of the Federal Government.

While some of the President’s specific plans and strategies remain unclear, a significant number of Nigerians have faith in his intentions and perceive him as a conscientious leader genuinely dedicated to nation-building.

Tinubu’s statements and actions align with what is expected from a President who is committed to uplifting the country and its citizens.

The proposed changes, however, carry implications for the prices of goods and services in Nigeria. In his Democracy Day broadcast, President Tinubu appealed to the citizens to be patient and endure the transitional period that may accompany these changes.

Addressing the potential impact of the student loan scheme, Professor Adigun Agbaje, former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, expressed his approval of the bill. He emphasized that Nigeria requires a government capable of addressing the challenges within the education sector in a comprehensive manner.

Prof. Agbaje’s statement underscores the need for holistic reforms in the education sector, highlighting the importance of a government that can effectively tackle the issues faced by the educational system in Nigeria.

“This initiative is a step in the right decision. It’s a meaningful step and it tells the story that perhaps this government is going to take on critical issues from the previous government and make advances in terms of moving the country forward.

“It is a welcome development, there will always be challenges but it will be tackled as it comes. This is a step in the right direction but can only make more impact when we begin to address the majority of the leakages in our economy,” he said on Arise TV.

On social media platforms, Nigerians have been actively expressing their reactions to the economic decisions made by President Tinubu. These decisions have sparked varied responses and discussions among the online community. 

@AyoBankole, “I must commend President Tinubu for quick decision-making. I mean, you can critique his decisions & policy thrusts & the eventual implications of them, but at least you can’t criticise him for initial inaction, especially compared to the sleepy retiree we had with Bubu.”

@Obi_Nwosu, “When President Tinubu said he would hit the ground running, he was not lying.”

@Ogenidipo, “Subsidy, gone. Multiple exchange rates, gone. Education Loan Bill signed. Data Protection Bill signed. Labour strike averted via dialogue.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has started on a good footing. Long may progressive actions in the interest of the people continue.”

@Akin Oyebode, “Subsidy and the exchange rate peg gone in two weeks. PBAT’s economic agenda is well and truly on. It’ll be a bumpy ride for a few months for sure, but two necessary actions for long term macro and fiscal recovery done.”

@GoziconC, “With barely 11 days in Office, President Tinubu is already working like he’s been in Aso Rock for 4 years.

“President Tinubu has met with Governors from 36 states, he has met with the Oil Marketers, he has sworn in the SGF, his Aides are up and running.

“The Nigerian GDP is rapidly growing, our economy is gaining ground again. I swear we made the right choice.”