COMMITTEE FOR THE DEFENCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS (CDHR) ON THREE YEARS OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU'S ADMINISTRATION

COMMITTEE FOR THE DEFENCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS (CDHR) ON THREE YEARS OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU'S ADMINISTRATION:

AN OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF GOVERNANCE, ECONOMIC REFORMS AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

INTRODUCTION

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks three years in office, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), in furtherance of its commitment to democratic accountability, good governance, human rights, social justice and national development, presents its objective assessment of the administration's performance.

This review is neither partisan nor adversarial. It is informed by verifiable realities, public policy outcomes, and the lived experiences of Nigerians. While governments must be commended for genuine achievements, they must also be constructively criticized where gaps, deficiencies and challenges persist. It is through such balanced engagement that democracy is strengthened and governance improved.

I. ECONOMIC REFORMS: BOLD DECISIONS WITH FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES

Without doubt, the most defining policies of the administration have been the removal of subsidy on petroleum products and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market.

For decades, fuel subsidies constituted a major drain on public finances, encouraged corruption, promoted inefficiency, and diverted resources that could have been deployed for critical national development. Similarly, the multiple exchange-rate regime created distortions, encouraged speculation, and weakened investor confidence.

The decision to remove fuel subsidy and reform the foreign exchange system required considerable political courage. These measures have increased government revenues, improved fiscal transparency, reduced opportunities for arbitrage, and enhanced the capacity of government at all levels to finance development initiatives.

The administration therefore deserves recognition for confronting economic realities that previous governments often avoided.

However, CDHR notes that these reforms have imposed severe short-term hardships on citizens. Inflationary pressures, rising transportation costs, escalating food prices, declining purchasing power, and worsening economic vulnerability continue to affect millions of Nigerians. The challenge before government is to ensure that the long-term benefits of these reforms are translated into immediate and measurable improvements in the welfare of the people.

II. IMPROVED REVENUES AND GREATER FINANCIAL CAPACITY OF STATE GOVERNMENTS

One of the most visible gains arising from the economic reforms has been the significant increase in revenues accruing to states through the Federation Account.

Several state governments that previously struggled with salary obligations are now in a stronger fiscal position. Cases of prolonged salary arrears have reduced in many states, while increased allocations have enabled governments to embark upon developmental and infrastructural projects.

This development represents an important milestone in strengthening sub-national governance and improving public sector financial stability.

Nevertheless, increased revenue must be accompanied by increased accountability. State governments must ensure that the additional resources are transparently managed and directed toward projects that improve the quality of life of citizens.

III. INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

CDHR acknowledges the administration's commitment to infrastructure development through ongoing investments in roads, transportation corridors, and strategic national projects.

Infrastructure remains a critical driver of economic growth, job creation, industrial expansion, and national integration. The ongoing construction, rehabilitation, and expansion of major road networks across the federation have the potential to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities.

While concerns regarding project prioritisation, financing arrangements, and implementation timelines remain legitimate, sustained investment in critical infrastructure is necessary for Nigeria's long-term development and competitiveness.

IV. NELFUND AND ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION: A POSITIVE INTERVENTION

The establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) stands out as one of the administration's most impactful social interventions.

By providing financial support to indigent students, NELFUND has expanded access to tertiary education and offered hope to thousands of young Nigerians whose academic aspirations might otherwise have been frustrated by economic hardship.

This initiative deserves commendation.

However, access to education must not be confused with the quality of education. Nigeria's tertiary institutions remain grossly underfunded. Many students are compelled to reside off-campus due to inadequate hostel accommodation, exposing them to security threats, exploitation, poor living conditions, and other social and environmental risks.

Government must therefore complement NELFUND with increased funding for universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, improved infrastructure, enhanced research capacity, and better welfare conditions for staff and students.

V. THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION: PROGRESS WITH SIGNIFICANT GAPS

CDHR notes with cautious optimism efforts by the administration to permit investigations and prosecutions involving politically exposed persons, including individuals associated with the ruling establishment.

Such actions reinforce the principle that no person should be above the law.

However, corruption cannot be defeated solely through arrests and prosecutions. Strong institutions, effective financial control systems, transparent procurement mechanisms, and robust accountability frameworks are the true foundations of sustainable anti-corruption efforts.

Unfortunately, many of these preventive mechanisms remain weak or inadequately operational. Opportunities for financial misconduct continue to exist because institutional safeguards are insufficiently developed and enforcement mechanisms are not always effective.

VI. THE JUDICIARY AND THE RULE OF LAW: THE NEED FOR GREATER CONSISTENCY

The administration of justice remains one of the critical pillars of democratic governance.

CDHR remains concerned that contradictory judicial pronouncements from courts of coordinate jurisdiction continue to undermine public confidence in the judiciary. Delays in the determination of cases and perceived inconsistencies in the application of legal precedents weaken the deterrent effect of the justice system.

The strengthening of judicial independence, consistency, accountability, and efficiency remains indispensable to the fight against corruption and the consolidation of democratic governance.

VII. ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: MODEST IMPROVEMENTS, PERSISTENT CHALLENGES

The administration has undertaken efforts to improve electricity generation, transmission, and sector regulation. In some areas and sectors, consumers have experienced modest improvements in power supply.

These efforts deserve acknowledgement.

However, the overall condition of electricity supply remains far below national expectations. Power outages continue to disrupt businesses, hinder industrial productivity, increase production costs, and negatively affect the daily lives of citizens.

For many Nigerians, electricity remains unreliable and unpredictable. The country cannot achieve its full economic potential without a stable, affordable, and efficient power sector.

VIII. SECURITY: COURAGEOUS EFFORTS BUT MORE MUST BE DONE

CDHR commends members of the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and other security services for their sacrifices in confronting terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, and other forms of criminality.

Their dedication to national service deserves recognition and appreciation.

Nevertheless, the security challenges confronting the nation remain substantial. While progress has been recorded in certain areas, many communities continue to experience insecurity and fear.

The effectiveness of security operations is often constrained by inadequate personnel, insufficient training, limited technological capacity, inadequate equipment, and concerns regarding welfare and motivation.

Government must therefore intensify efforts to strengthen the nation's security architecture and provide security personnel with the resources necessary to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

IX. EDUCATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT: A NATIONAL EMERGENCY

Perhaps no sector better reflects the future prospects of a nation than education.

CDHR is deeply concerned about the declining quality of education, particularly within the primary and secondary school systems. Across the country, many schools operate under difficult conditions characterised by inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, obsolete facilities, insufficient instructional materials, overcrowded classrooms, and weak learning environments.

Teachers remain inadequately motivated, while students are often deprived of the resources necessary for effective learning.

Nigeria's aspiration for sustainable development, technological advancement, and global competitiveness cannot be realised without significant investments in education and human capital development.

CONCLUSION: A BALANCED VERDICT

Three years into the administration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government presents a mixed but significant record.

The administration has demonstrated courage in undertaking difficult economic reforms that previous governments avoided. Gains have been recorded in fiscal stability, increased state revenues, infrastructure development, educational access through NELFUND, and broader macroeconomic restructuring.

These achievements deserve acknowledgement.

However, serious concerns remain regarding the rising cost of living, poverty, unemployment, electricity supply, insecurity, educational decline, institutional weaknesses, and the effectiveness of anti-corruption mechanisms.

The ultimate measure of governance 

CDHR National Publicity Secretary

Sunday, 31 May, 2026