Saturday, 17 June 2023 07:31

Nigerians are optimistic as Tinubu beats agency chiefs

Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's inauguration, his administration has made several noteworthy decisions that have garnered praise from Nigerians.

Since Tinubu's inauguration on May 29, 2023, there have been some surprising developments in the country. The President has made some unexpected decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the suspension of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

In a recent development, the Central Bank of Nigeria has received the attention of Tinubu. This comes after the suspension of Godwin Emefiele, who has been in charge of the country's monetary system for the past nine years. The reason for the suspension is said to be due to Emefiele's abysmal handling of the system.

Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), has received a treatment similar to that of other high-profile individuals who have been accused of corruption. The allegations against Bawa are weighty and have prompted an investigation into his conduct.

Is the President truly conscious of the Nigerian situation? This is the question on the minds of many citizens who have been observing his speeches. Some are convinced that he speaks with assurance about the issues plaguing the country, not as an aspirant but as a sitting President. But is this really the case?

Could it be possible that decisions that were neglected or took years to be made during the past administration have been swiftly executed by the current administration in just a matter of hours or days? This is a view held by some Nigerians.

Could it be that Nigeria's success is a result of carefully calculated economic decisions?

The government has implemented several policies including the removal of fuel subsidy, signing of the Electricity Act 2023, Data Protection Act, Student Loan Act, unification of the foreign exchange market, and other measures.

Reports suggest that the President Bola Tinubu Policy Advisory Council may have made a recommendation regarding the merger of key Nigerian agencies. Specifically, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are said to be the agencies in question.

Why did the council propose the merger? According to sources, the aim was to facilitate the streamlined collection of both direct and indirect taxes, as well as levies, on behalf of the federal government.

As the president's plans and direction remain shrouded in ambiguity, there is a growing sentiment among Nigerians that his rhetoric aligns with what one would anticipate from a conscientious leader committed to nation-building.

What are the potential ramifications of this on the cost of goods and services for the Nigerian populace? In his Democracy Day broadcast, Tinubu implored the public to persevere for a brief period.

Former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adigun Agbaje, has commented on the impact of the student loan scheme. According to him, the bill has been received with open arms and is considered a positive development.

The individual claims that Nigeria is in dire need of a government that can effectively tackle the multifaceted challenges plaguing the education sector.

"This initiative is a step in the right direction." It’s a meaningful step, and it tells the story that perhaps this government is going to take on critical issues from the previous government and make advances in terms of moving the country forward.

"It is a welcome development; there will always be challenges, but they will be tackled as they come." This is a step in the right direction, but it can only make more impact when we begin to address the majority of the leakages in our economy," he said on Arise TV.

Here is how some Nigerians reacted to Tinubu’s economic decisions on social media:

@AyoBankole, "I must commend President Tinubu for quick decision-making. I mean, you can critique his decisions and policy thrusts and the eventual implications of them, but at least you can’t criticise him for his initial inaction, especially compared to the sleepy retiree we had with Bubu."

@Obi_Nwosu, "When President Tinubu said he would hit the ground running, he was not lying."

@Ogenidipo, "Subsidy, gone. Multiple exchange rates are gone. Education loan bill signed. The Data Protection Bill was signed. A labour strike was averted via dialogue.

"Bola Ahmed Tinubu has started on a good footing. Long may progressive actions in the interest of the people continue."

@Akin Oyebode, "Subsidy and the exchange rate peg will be gone in two weeks. PBAT’s economic agenda is well and truly on. It’ll be a bumpy ride for a few months for sure, but two necessary actions for long-term macro and fiscal recovery are done."

@GoziconC, "With barely 11 days in office, President Tinubu is already working like he’s been in Aso Rock for 4 years.

"President Tinubu has met with governors from 36 states; he has met with the oil marketers; he has sworn in the SGF; his aides are up and running.

"The Nigerian GDP is rapidly growing; our economy is gaining ground again. I swear we made the right choice."



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