CONGRATULATIONS ARE NOT IN ORDER, MR. PRESIDENT — YOUR PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING: LEADERSHIP, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND THE NIGERIAN REALITY — YOUR TANGIBLE IMPACT, YOUR EXCELLENCY, IS NOT FELT

 CONGRATULATIONS ARE NOT IN ORDER, MR. PRESIDENT — YOUR PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING: LEADERSHIP, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND THE NIGERIAN REALITY — YOUR TANGIBLE IMPACT, YOUR EXCELLENCY, IS NOT FELT.

By Daniel Okonkwo

Leadership, at its core, is the capacity to translate vision into reality. It is not merely about holding power; it is about empowering others, creating solutions, and ensuring that the impact of one's leadership outlasts their presence. As the renowned leadership expert John C. Maxwell put it, “The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” Yet, for over four decades, Nigerians have yearned for such transformative leadership—one that uplifts, delivers, and resonates with the people.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked his second year in office with a message of reform, progress, and hope. He insisted that his economic reforms were working, citing a narrowed fiscal deficit, improved revenue generation, and the rebasing of the inflation index. Yet, on the streets of Nigeria, the story told by the ordinary citizen paints a very different picture: one of hunger, hardship, and growing disillusionment.

The 2025 Federal Government budget has come under intense scrutiny, not just for its size, but for the insertions and allocations that many have described as extravagant and detached from the country’s current realities.

A striking example is the allocation of ₦114.53 billion for the drilling of 538 boreholes, amounting to approximately ₦212.87 million per borehole. A further breakdown shows the numbers align mathematically:

> ₦212.87 million × 538 = ₦114,520,060,000

Similarly, ₦393.29 billion has been earmarked for 1,477 streetlight projects, with each streetlight costing an average of ₦266 million—an astronomical figure by any standard, especially considering the current cost-of-living crisis.

Furthermore, the National Assembly inserted 11,122 projects into the budget, totaling ₦6.93 trillion, including 1,122 ICT projects for ₦505.79 billion—averaging ₦449.9 million per project.

These figures raise a critical question: who are these budgets designed to serve? The elite class, or the everyday Nigerian who cannot afford basic food items, clean water, or electricity?

The last two years have tested the flexibility of Nigerians. From the controversial removal of petrol subsidies to electricity price hikes and currency devaluations, the country has faced its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades. Inflation hovers above 23%, while unemployment and poverty continue to rise. The World Bank recently acknowledged Nigeria’s improved fiscal outlook but warned that persistently high inflation remains a major challenge.

Security concerns remain equally dire. Despite presidential claims of progress, a recent Amnesty International report noted that 10,217 people have been killed in violent attacks across the country since 2023. Kidnappings, banditry, and communal violence persist in many regions, even as government statements declare victory.

Healthcare and agriculture have not been spared. Farmers still fear venturing into their fields due to insecurity, and medical professionals battle with underfunded facilities and inadequate resources. While the president has highlighted new initiatives in drug manufacturing and healthcare infrastructure, the average Nigerian has yet to see the benefits.

Mr. President, the people are watching—and suffering. Leadership is not about eloquent speeches or promises of future prosperity; it is about decisive actions that improve lives today. It is about ensuring that every kobo of the national budget reflects fairness, equity, and purpose.

For how long must Nigerians wait? How long must they endure hunger, unemployment, and fear in their land? The sacrifices of ordinary citizens—their blood, sweat, and tears—must not be taken for granted.

Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), recently accused the administration of worsening the country's economic state. He criticized the insensitive manner in which the fuel subsidy was removed, asserting that no significant social safety net was provided for the millions already reeling from past government failures.

While some citizens and analysts commend President Tinubu for identifying key areas of concern, the consensus among Nigerians remains clear: the cost of leadership must not be borne by the people alone. The dividends of democracy must be shared equitably, and not just on paper.

As President Tinubu crosses the midpoint of his administration, this is an opportunity for reflection, recalibration, and rededication to the Nigerian people. Leadership should never be divorced from empathy. The ultimate success of this administration will not be measured by budgetary figures or economic forecasts alone, but by the real, felt improvement in the lives of the Nigerian people.

A fair budget is one where every Nigerian has a stake—where projects reflect public needs, not political conveniences. The time for rhetoric is over. The time for impactful, people-centered governance is now.

 Profiles International Human Rights Advocate.

CONGRATULATIONS ARE NOT IN ORDER, MR. PRESIDENT — YOUR PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING: LEADERSHIP, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND THE NIGERIAN REALITY — YOUR TANGIBLE IMPACT, YOUR EXCELLENCY, IS NOT FELT