September 19, 2024
Amid a turbulent economy and mounting public frustration, Nigerians are calling on President Bola Tinubu to address the country’s deepening crises, starting with a reshuffle of his cabinet. With hyperinflation, a rising cost of living, and a chaotic oil and gas sector, citizens feel far removed from the promise of a “renewed hope” that Tinubu pledged when he took office.
At the core of public discontent is the ongoing fuel crisis. Nigerians are now paying over N1,000 for fuel, yet queues at filling stations stretch for hours. Many have reported spending upwards of N50,000 on fuel, only to find themselves back in line within days. The frustration has boiled over, leading to nationwide protests in August 2024.
The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo once stated that “The primary responsibility of leadership is catering for and promoting its people so that they may live a full and happy life.” By that standard, many feel that Nigeria is falling short. Critics argue that the government’s inability to manage the oil and gas sector, which Tinubu oversees directly as Minister of Petroleum, is exacerbating the crisis.
Experts have urged the President to appoint a capable individual to manage the petroleum ministry and relieve himself of the role. “It’s time for the President to focus on the strategic governance of the country and allow a competent technocrat to handle the petroleum sector,” a political analyst said.
Tinubu had earlier stated in May that he would not hesitate to remove cabinet members failing to meet expectations. However, months later, Nigerians are asking why no significant changes have been made, especially as the national grid collapses, food insecurity persists, and security threats grow across the country.
The President’s cabinet, the largest in Nigeria’s history, has drawn criticism for inefficiency. “We need competent leaders in critical positions. The oil theft in the upstream sector, coupled with outdated midstream facilities and a disorganized downstream sector, has crippled the petroleum industry,” another expert lamented. Even the much-anticipated Dangote Refinery, once hailed as a solution to Nigeria’s energy woes, has been mired in delays and obstacles.
Ending the fuel subsidy was touted as a step toward reform, but its aftermath has left many disillusioned. Although federal allocations to states have increased, citizens say they see no improvement in their daily lives. Food insecurity remains rampant, with the Food and Agriculture Organization reporting that over 26.5 million Nigerians are experiencing acute hunger this year.
President Tinubu, who also serves as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), faces mounting pressure to prioritize domestic challenges. Terrorism, banditry, and rising criminality are taking a toll on national security. Bold attacks on monarchs, widely circulated on social media, underscore the growing confidence of insurgent groups.
As hunger and poverty intensify, projections suggest that as many as 82 million Nigerians could face severe food insecurity by 2030. This, coupled with collapsing infrastructure and an embattled energy sector, has left the country in a precarious position.
For many, the solution lies in decisive leadership. They are urging the President to make tough decisions, beginning with the removal of underperforming ministers and aides. “There is too much at stake for the President to hold onto the petroleum portfolio. The country needs strong, focused leadership in these difficult times,” one commentator stated.
Nigerians await Tinubu’s next move as the country grapples with one of its most challenging periods in recent history.
