How President Tinubu’s Administration Has Fared in the First 100 Days

How President Tinubu’s Administration Has Fared in the First 100 Days

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon

The first 100 days of any presidency are often regarded as the honeymoon period, a time when the new leader sets the tone for their administration and begins to implement key policies and initiatives. For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this period has been both a whirlwind of activity and a revealing glimpse into the priorities and challenges of his leadership. As the clock ticked to this symbolic milestone, it is fitting to reflect on the accomplishments, setbacks, and broader implications of his initial days in office.

When President Tinubu was sworn into office, he brought with him a wave of high expectations and a legacy of political acumen. As a former governor of Lagos State, Tinubu had a reputation for innovative governance and economic reforms. His inaugural address underscored a commitment to tackling corruption, revitalizing the economy, improving national security, and addressing the deep-seated social issues facing Nigeria.

One of the cornerstones of Tinubu’s campaign was economic rejuvenation. His administration quickly rolled out a series of economic measures aimed at stimulating growth, attracting foreign investment, and creating jobs. Among these was the introduction of tax incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have been met with applause from local business communities.

However, the administration has also faced criticism over its handling of fuel subsidies. The removal of subsidies, intended to reduce government spending and promote efficient fuel usage, led to an immediate increase in fuel prices. This, in turn, sparked public outcry and protests, highlighting the delicate balance Tinubu must strike between economic reform and public welfare.

Corruption has long been a cancer eating away at Nigeria’s socio-economic fabric. President Tinubu’s early efforts in this arena have shown both promise and the immense difficulty of the task. His administration established an Anti-Corruption Task Force, which has already initiated high-profile investigations and attempted to increase transparency in government dealings.

However, skeptics argue that real, systemic change will require more than just high-profile cases. It will demand consistent, rigorous enforcement of anti-corruption laws across all levels of government, a goal that some fear is overly ambitious given the deeply entrenched nature of corrupt practices.

Nigeria’s security challenges, from Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast to banditry and kidnappings in other regions, demanded immediate attention from Tinubu’s administration. Early on, the President announced strategic military operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks. These measures have seen some success in reclaiming territories and improving local security.

Nevertheless, security analysts caution that a sustainable peace will require more than just military might. Investments in education, economic opportunities, and social cohesion are crucial to addressing the root causes of extremism and criminality. As such, the administration’s long-term strategy in these areas remains a key point of observation.

In terms of social policies, President Tinubu has made noteworthy strides. His administration has launched programmes to boost access to healthcare and education, particularly in underserved rural areas. The introduction of a nationwide digital health initiative aims to make medical services more accessible and efficient, while educational reforms are focused on improving infrastructure and teacher training.

Furthermore, Tinubu’s commitment to gender inclusivity and youth empowerment has been reflected in his cabinet appointments and policy priorities. By involving more women and young people in governance, he signals a forward-looking approach that recognizes the importance of diverse perspectives in national development.

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first 100 days come to a close, it is clear that his administration has navigated a complex landscape of expectations, challenges, and opportunities. While there have been commendable achievements in economic policy, anti-corruption measures, security efforts, and social programmes, the journey ahead is laden with hurdles.

The true measure of Tinubu’s presidency will not just be in immediate wins but in the sustainability and long-term impact of his policies. Nigerian citizens, along with the international community, will continue to watch closely, eager to see how this new chapter in Nigeria’s history unfolds. Through careful navigation of public sentiment, strategic policymaking, and steadfast commitment to his outlined goals, President Tinubu has the potential to steer Nigeria towards a more prosperous and equitable future.

Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, a Researcher and resource person at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.