posted 4th June 2025
Tinubu Administration Defends Mid-Term Record Amid Afenifere Criticism
4 June 2025
A faction of the Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has sparked controversy with a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s mid-term performance, prompting a robust defence from the administration. The group’s statement, described as “deceitful” by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, alleged economic mismanagement, democratic backsliding, and a decline in human development over the past two years. However, the administration has countered with data-driven achievements, asserting that Nigeria’s “comeback story” is well underway under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Afenifere faction claimed that Tinubu’s economic reforms, notably the removal of the fuel subsidy and the naira’s floatation, have caused “unmitigated sufferings” and “economic deforms”. The administration acknowledges the immediate challenges faced by Nigerians but highlights significant macroeconomic gains. The fuel subsidy removal, announced on 29 May 2023, saved over $10 billion in 2023, easing fiscal pressures and enabling reinvestment in critical sectors. The unification of the foreign exchange market boosted reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024 and delivered a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion.
Inflation, a key concern, has shown signs of moderation, dropping to 23.71% in April 2025 from 24.23% the previous month, with food inflation easing to 21.26%. To cushion the impact, the government’s cash transfer programme has reached over 5.7 million households, while initiatives like the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme (900,000 beneficiaries), Students’ Loan Scheme (600,000 beneficiaries), and a N70,000 minimum wage demonstrate a commitment to social welfare. Other measures include free CNG kits for commercial drivers, reducing transport costs, and N200 billion in agricultural loans to boost food production.
The administration challenges critics to propose viable alternatives to these reforms, which it deems necessary to end the unsustainable subsidy regime and multiple exchange rate systems.
Afenifere’s accusation that the administration has ignored the Oronsaye Report, aimed at reducing governance costs, was refuted. While full implementation is pending, fiscal discipline has improved, with the fiscal deficit shrinking from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, and the debt service-to-revenue ratio falling from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. Revenue collection hit N6 trillion in Q1 2025, bolstered by the removal of Ways & Means financing and fuel subsidies. The administration is also actively reviewing cost-cutting measures, including the Oronsaye Report, to enhance public trust.
The faction’s claim of rampant corruption and favouritism in palliative distribution was met with evidence of action. The suspension of Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu in January 2024 over alleged fund diversion signals a commitment to accountability. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recorded 4,111 convictions in 2024, its most successful year, recovering over N364 billion and $214.5 million. A landmark forfeiture of a 150,500-square-metre Abuja estate in May 2025 further underscores anti-corruption progress.
Afenifere’s allegations of “one-party state totalitarianism” and threats to democratic institutions were dismissed as baseless. The Supreme Court’s upholding of opposition victories in Kano, Plateau, and Abia states indicates judicial independence. Claims of bias in INEC appointments lack evidence, and accusations of crackdowns on peaceful protests were labelled recycled rhetoric. On state police, the administration stressed the need for careful security assessments to avoid unintended consequences.
The administration touted significant security gains, with over 13,500 terrorists and bandits neutralised and 7,000 arrested in the past year. These efforts have enabled farmers to return to their fields, boosting food production. Agricultural initiatives, including tractor procurement and fertiliser distribution, complement these gains. The establishment of Development Commissions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones aims to accelerate regional progress.
Afenifere’s claims of government-sponsored conflicts within opposition parties were dismissed for lack of evidence. Economic indicators, including 4.6% GDP growth in Q4 2024 and a Moody’s rating upgrade to B3, reflect growing stability. The administration acknowledges public discontent but insists that its reforms are laying a foundation for long-term prosperity.
Dare described Afenifere’s statement as seeing the “cup as half empty”, while the administration views it as “half full”. From stabilising the naira and curbing inflation to expanding healthcare (1,000 revitalised PHCs) and education (N50 billion to end ASUU strikes), Tinubu’s government is tackling Nigeria’s challenges head-on. With over 20,000 affordable housing units under construction and 150,000 youths trained in tech skills, the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering tangible results.
