On Economic Hardship And Fading Sovereignty -By Labaran Yusuf

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria has grappled with deepening economic hardship. Ever since the removal of fuel subsidy and the floatation of the Naira, inflation has reached painful levels, with food prices out of reach of the common man, and millions of Nigerians plunged deeper into poverty.

Government officials, largely insulated from these shocks, have highlighted long-term gains and growth forecasts for 2026, but for most families, the daily experience is one of shrinking incomes, rising debts, and growing despair. As politicians acquire new vehicles, households cut back on basic meals, while youth unemployment offers no clear path forward. These are not passing storms but a sustained crisis eroding living standards and public trust.

At the same time, the administration’s foreign policy choices have stirred concern. In response to U.S. allegations of religious persecution, the government has not sufficiently pushed back against contested labels but has welcomed the deployment of U.S. troops on Nigerian soil—framed as essential for counter-terrorism support. With the First Lady’s characterisation of certain U.S. military actions as a “blessing,” many Nigerians question whether these partnerships compromise national sovereignty or invite undue external influence.

Accusations of bias against key officeholders, including past statements by INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan that continue to draw criticism from Muslim communities, further damage confidence in public institutions. When electoral bodies appear compromised, the foundation of fair governance weakens, breeding cynicism and disengagement.

True leadership demands more than vague assurances or selective alliances. It requires unwavering commitment to alleviating hardship through targeted relief, transparent resource use, and investments in jobs, agriculture, and safety nets. It calls for upholding impartiality, protecting freedoms of expression and assembly, and pursuing a foreign policy rooted in Nigeria’s values of justice, sovereignty, and non-alignment.

As critical junctures approach, the administration must bridge this disconnect with concrete actions prioritising people’s welfare over optics. Only then can trust be rebuilt, despair replaced with determination, and Nigeria reclaim a prosperous, just, and truly independent future for all citizens.

Labaran Yusuf,
Jos, Plateau State.