Today, Thursday, May 29 2025 marks exactly two years since Asiwaju Bola Tinubu assumed office as 16th President of Nigeria.
However, since Tinubu’s day one in office, Nigerians have not had it any good. The now popular phrase ‘subsidy is gone’ and unification of the various foreign exchange rates in the country were some of Tinubu’s day one bold decisions that almost plunged the country into unforeseen crisis.
While some of the President’s economic policies have garnered global attention and commendation, however, some economic experts opined that he (Tinubu) was hasty in his decisions without making cushioning plans for the aftermath as Nigerians are unfortunately at the brutal receiving ends.
The streets, screens, and voices of ordinary Nigerians echo a shared sentiment frustration, fatigue, and fading faith. From students to economists, retirees to digital strategists, Nigerians are speaking out, not just with statistics but with stories raw and real.
In a special report published by NewsClick Nigeria on March 29, 2024, a day that coincided with President Tinubu’s 72nd birthday, Good Friday and 10 months of the Tinubu’s presidency, Nigerians shared similar struggling stories and survival strategies not knowing it will be far more complicated a year and two months later.
Tinubu rode to power on ‘renewed hope’ agenda and campaign, a term some Nigerians said is now synonymous with untold hardships nationwide.
Again, Nigerians in their numbers shared their struggling stories with NewsClick Nigeria as the nation solemnly marks Tinubu’s second year in office today.
“The Weight Is Too Much” – Esther Moses, Digital Strategist, Lagos
Esther doesn’t sugarcoat her opinion. “Let’s not lie to ourselves,” she says. “Things have gone from bad to worse ever since Tinubu got into office.” For her, the Naira is all but valueless, and the nation is on autopilot. “There’s no improvement,” she adds bluntly. Her coping mechanism? “Na God o. And the fact that I still live in my father’s house if not, I for don die,” she says, laughing through the pain.
When asked what she’d say to the President, she gives a startling but emotional answer: “I’ll kneel down and beg him with his mother’s name. Just have mercy on us.”
“Government Has Done More Harm Than Good” – Victor Ogwuegbu, Economist
Victor approaches his assessment analytically. “Rating a government must be based on key performance indicators,” he explains, before delivering a scathing verdict: “Tinubu’s second-year performance is less than or equal to 40%.”
He laments the underperforming economy, rising unemployment, and insecurity. Yet, he acknowledges one silver lining: “At least, since he came in, education and health sector workers haven’t gone on strike.”
But as an economist, Victor is deeply concerned. “The economy is dysfunctional. We lack efficient fiscal policies, and businesses are too scared to borrow because of high interest rates.”
His advice is comprehensive: “Reform every sector, employ credible professionals, and create an enabling environment for businesses and citizens.”
“There’s Nothing to Rate” – Akinpelu Stephen, Real Estate Mogul
For real estate entrepreneur Stephen, Tinubu’s administration is simply a continuation of suffering. “There’s nothing to rate,” he scoffs. “This is the worst we’ve seen. Everything is expensive, and people not earning in dollars are barely surviving.”
Stephen survives by borrowing and sometimes going without food. His message to the president? “Step down. If people don’t want you, why force it? Or scatter Nigeria, so we know who to hold accountable.”
“I’m Just Managing to Stay Alive” – Gbemisola, Student, Lagos State University of Education
As a university student in Epe, Gbemisola’s reality is bleak. “The hardship is too much,” she says. “Food, transport, even electricity and fuel are unaffordable.”
She acknowledges that some policy ideas—like unifying the exchange rate are promising on paper. But she sees no impact in her daily life. “I’ve had to cut back completely. Even basic needs have become luxuries.”
If she met the president, she’d ask him to lead with empathy. “Nigerians are not lazy we’re just tired of suffering without hope.”
“We Deserve Dignity” – Chief Emeka Umeh, Retiree
Retired school principal Chief Emeka Umeh feels completely left behind. “My pension can’t even cover my medication anymore,” he says.
He rates the administration’s performance as poor and is unimpressed by subsidy removals without compensation. “I depend on my children and a support group of pensioners.”
To the President, he would say: “Don’t forget us. The elderly deserve dignity.”
“You Must Care for the People” – Miss Titi Adeyemi, Civil Servant, Lagos
For Titi, a civil servant, things are no better. “My salary doesn’t last two weeks. Food prices and transportation are choking us,” she says.
She’s aware of efforts in infrastructure but says the benefits are not reaching the people. She’s taken on side jobs to survive. Her advice to Tinubu is clear: “Focus on the people. We need more than speeches—we need action.”
“Running a Business Feels Like Punishment” – Mr Okonkwo, Entrepreneur
As a business owner, Okonkwo is bearing the brunt of economic instability. “Diesel, rent, and taxes have made things unbearable. Customers are broke. Sales have plummeted.”
Yet he acknowledges small hopes: “Maybe the CBN’s efforts to stabilize the naira will help, if they last.”
He pleads for support for SMEs: “We’re the economy. Without us, everything else fails.”
“I Rely on Faith and Hustle” – Aisha Bala, Student, Lagos State University (LASU)
Aisha, a 22-year-old student in Lagos, I juggles academics with part-time work. “I rate him 3 out of 10. Tuition is high, food is expensive, and I’m constantly worried.”
She’s found support in student cooperatives and hustles wherever she can. “I want him to invest in youth and education. We are the future if we survive this present.”
“Only God Can Help Us Now” – Mr. Amen, Teacher, Osun
Mr. Amen sums up the hardship in two words: “It’s bad.” He mourns the rising food and transport prices but commends one improvement: “At least, NYSC corpers now receive better allowances.”
When asked what advice he would give the president, he says, “Seek God’s guidance. That’s the only way he can lead well.”
Despite their diverse backgrounds, these nine Nigerians are united by shared hardship, uncertainty, and a plea for change. Some offer hope. Others, frustration. But one thing is clear they all want a government that listens, responds, and acts.
President Tinubu’s third year begins with a heavy national burden and a louder citizen voice than ever before. Whether those voices will shape policy or fade into the noise remains to be seen.