Tinubu’s Sudden Generosity: Strategy or Sincere Reform?
By Bamidele Atoyebi
(Bamidele is the Convenor of BAT Ideological Group, National Coordinator of Accountability and Policy monitoring and a publisher at Unfiltered and Mining Reporting)
For decades, Nigerians have endured waves of promises that never lived up to expectations. From economic palliatives that disappeared too soon to infrastructure projects abandoned halfway to welfare schemes that failed to reach those most in need, the pattern has left citizens cautious.
Hope has been raised many times, only to be dashed, and this history has shaped the way people respond to new government initiatives.
It is against this backdrop that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent reforms are unfolding. In just a week, his administration has approved a railway project in Kano, launched support for kidney dialysis patients, and removed tax on calls and data. These measures have drawn attention nationwide, sparking both curiosity and cautious optimism.
The real question, however, may not be whether these steps are strategic or sincere. It may be whether they hold the potential to deliver long-term progress for Nigeria.
The Kano railway project offers more than just trains; it can connect regions, ease trade, and open up new economic possibilities.
Strong infrastructure has always been the backbone of development, and this step could position the North as a more active player in Nigeria’s growth story.
The dialysis support initiative is equally promising and has been effective since March 2025. Kidney diseases have silently claimed many lives because treatment is unaffordable; those concerned can tell the story.
By easing the financial burden of dialysis, the government has given hope to families and strengthened public confidence in healthcare delivery and is in for much more.
The removal of tax on calls and data speaks directly to the digital economy. Affordable access to data can boost education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. For Nigeria’s tech-savvy youth, it may open doors to opportunities that once felt out of reach.
Moving back a little, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) reform, introduced in 2023 to enhance access to education, has been implemented in the 36 states as of July 2024. Between July 2024 and 2025, not less than 396,252 students benefited from the loans.
Beyond social reforms, Tinubu’s government has also taken bold steps to stabilize Nigeria’s economy. Recent figures from the Central Bank show that the country’s foreign exchange reserves increased to about $41 billion in July 2025, the highest in four years. This was achieved through stricter fiscal discipline, improved oil receipts, and policies aimed at closing loopholes in the FX market.
For Nigerians, stronger reserves translate into a more stable naira, greater investor confidence, and a buffer against external shocks. If sustained, this momentum could ease the inflationary pressure that has weighed heavily on households and businesses.
These reforms altogether could set the stage for lasting transformation. Nigerians aren’t just seeking quick fixes; they want policies that grow with them, shaping a future that feels secure and progressive. The true strength of these moves lies in their ability to create lasting change, not just short-lived applause.
Trust in leadership isn’t rebuilt overnight. However, reforms like these offer an opportunity to change the narrative. Each successful implementation can serve as proof that government action is capable of making lives better. If this momentum continues, it may gradually replace skepticism with renewed hope.
Tinubu’s recent initiatives have sparked debate, but they also highlight what effective governance should look like. Whether in transportation, healthcare, or digital access, these moves have the potential to positively impact lives in meaningful ways.
Generosity may grab attention, but it is the long-term consistency of reforms that truly writes history. If sustained, these policies could mark the beginning of a more hopeful chapter for Nigeria.
