By Musa Bakare
Two years into his presidency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated to the nation and the world that he is far from a novice in leadership. Through bold reforms, decisive policies, and an unwavering commitment to national unity, Tinubu has injected renewed energy into the Nigerian presidency. For a country long in need of focused, visionary leadership, the message is becoming clear: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu knows his job.
President Tinubu’s journey to Nigeria’s highest office is rooted in a legacy of results. During his tenure as governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, he spearheaded significant reforms that transformed Lagos into a commercial hub. Under his leadership, the state experienced a considerable increase in internally generated revenue, modernization of infrastructure, and enhancements to public services. His governance style earned him a reputation for innovation and strategic planning.
That legacy laid the groundwork for his national ambitions. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu played a pivotal role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading a coalition that ended the 16 year dominance of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015. His political foresight and ability to cultivate alliances across Nigeria’s diverse political landscape positioned him as a unifying figure with a profound understanding of the system he now leads.
Upon taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu wasted no time addressing long-standing issues. His decision to end the costly fuel subsidy, although controversial, sent a powerful signal that he was prepared to make difficult choices. This move aimed at redirecting funds towards infrastructure, education, and healthcare—areas that many previous administrations had shied away from addressing.
Following this, he initiated currency unification efforts along with a series of economic measures designed to attract foreign investment and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage. Although these reforms faced initial pushback, they have also laid a solid foundation for long-term stability and growth.
National security has been a crucial priority for President Tinubu. His administration has renewed investments in military equipment and improved cooperation among security agencies, emphasizing intelligence-based operations. This focused approach has led to a noticeable reduction in insurgent activity in parts of the North-East and marked progress against kidnapping and banditry in other regions.
Tinubu has persistently highlighted the necessity of national unity. His outreach across ethnic and regional lines, coupled with his commitment to inclusivity in federal appointments, illustrates a deliberate effort to foster trust within a divided nation.
Under his Renewed Hope agenda, President Tinubu has initiated programs to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhance infrastructure, and promote agricultural self-sufficiency. The administration is also advocating digital innovation and technology as vital instruments for youth employment and national development.
A notable initiative is the support for tech hubs and start-ups, with partnerships being forged to position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital economy. Economic diplomacy has regained prominence, with the president engaging consistently with foreign investors and multilateral institutions.
President Tinubu has garnered commendations from both allies and critics for his hands-on governance approach. Whether in public policy decisions, cabinet oversight, or foreign diplomacy, he remains actively involved. His leadership style is defined by consultation, delegation to capable aides, and accountability mechanisms aimed at evaluating government performance.
Despite facing substantial challenges, from global inflation to internal unrest, Tinubu’s response has been steady and strategic. Observers note that his experience as a political tactician has equipped him well to navigate the complexities of Nigerian governance.
In a political climate often shrouded in rhetoric and inaction, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is distinguishing himself by his readiness to act decisively. While the road ahead is long and fraught with difficulties, his administration has established a clear direction for Nigeria’s future.
Whether in economic reform, national unity, or international diplomacy, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proven he is not only prepared for the task at hand, but he also deeply understands it. Indeed, Nigeria now has the president who knows his job.
– Musa Asiru Bakare, Member, Tinubu Support Group (TSG), writes from Lokoja, Kogi state capital.
