By Damilola Olufemi, Friday Omosola and Helen Okechukwu
Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, today, May 29, 2025, marks the completion of his second year in office. Investigations by The New Daily Prime revealed that the tenure is marked by critical economic issues, insecurity and others.
While, there are issues, the tenure also brings good tidings to the country.
In this report, The New Daily Prime explores Tinubu’s presidency over the past two years, a period not without controversies that sparked reactions both within Nigeria and beyond.
In 2024, President Tinubu submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly, stating that the proposed legislation aligned with his administration’s economic objectives. These bills included the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, aimed at creating a comprehensive fiscal framework; the Tax Administration Bill, designed to enhance efficiency and reduce tax disputes through clearer regulations; the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, intended to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish a new revenue service; and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which proposed the creation of a tax tribunal and ombudsman.
Tinubu argued that these reforms would strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal institutions and drive broader national development. However, the proposals were met with controversy, especially from stakeholders in the North, who viewed the reforms as a ploy to compel state governments—particularly in the North—to increase their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Read Also :FULL TEXT: Tinubu’s second anniversary speech
Due to mounting pressure from northern governors and other political stakeholders, the House of Representatives indefinitely suspended debate on the bills. Nevertheless, the National Assembly eventually passed four reform bills aimed at improving tax collection and administration to boost economic and social outcomes.
One of the most defining developments in Tinubu’s tenure has been the wave of defections that rocked major opposition parties. The Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP) all suffered significant losses as key figures defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In Delta State alone, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Speaker of the House of Assembly Emomotimi Guwor, and 21 other lawmakers formerly with the PDP defected to the APC in what was described as a major realignment of political interests. Notably, former PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa also joined them.
These mass defections are expected to strengthen the APC’s electoral prospects, potentially delivering millions of votes and altering regional political dynamics. Some analysts have warned that the trend suggests Nigeria may be heading towards a one-party system. This belief was further fuelled by the dramatic exit of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai from the APC in March 2025, following accusations of betrayal directed at President Tinubu.
However, political experts who spoke with correspondent dismissed concerns over a one-party state, arguing that while defections may signal a dominant party, they do not equate to the elimination of political competition.
They asserted that even in dominant-party systems, viable opposition parties can still exist and contest for power.
Another contentious issue gaining momentum is the debate over zoning, particularly as opposition parties and political coalitions begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections. Tinubu, a southerner, is expected to seek a second term, potentially completing eight years in office as his northern predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, did.
However, internal coalition discussions reveal tension over whether to zone the next presidential ticket to the South again. Some argue that a southern candidate should serve for eight years to maintain equity, while others warn that such a decision might reduce the chances of victory in 2027, given the power of northern votes.
Zoning has played a pivotal role in determining Nigeria’s presidential leadership since the return to democracy in 1999. Buhari, from the North, served two terms, and Tinubu is expected to do the same. This continuity has led some northern leaders to back Tinubu’s second term bid, with the understanding that the North could take over again thereafter.
One of the most talked-about incidents during Tinubu’s administration remains the mass failure recorded in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Results released on 9 May 2025 showed that over 78 per cent of candidates scored below 200 out of a possible 400. JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, attributed the poor performance to a technical glitch. He announced that 379,997 candidates were scheduled to retake the examination, which has since been conducted.
Following widespread complaints about low scores, irregularities in the exam process, and faulty technology, 20 individuals were arrested in connection with alleged misconduct. The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies later concluded that the problem stemmed from human error rather than systemic technological failure.
Whether dismissed or deemed serious, these events—ranging from tax reforms and political defections to zoning debates and examination failures—will remain etched in the annals of Tinubu’s administration. Much like the Boko Haram insurgency under Goodluck Jonathan and the Chibok schoolgirl abduction under Buhari, these moments have become historical markers that will shape the legacy of Nigeria’s current President.
Performances saga
To achieve the goals outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda and attract international investors, strict policies were established to uplift Nigeria’s economy, which had been struggling since the days of his predecessors.
President Tinubu’s policy interventions included fixed exchange rate liberalization, price control measures, stamp duties, and importation bans aimed at restructuring the country’s economy.
Fuel Subsidy Removal — Nigerians Fumed
During his inauguration, President Tinubu uttered a powerful line—putting an end to the fuel subsidy. This unpopular decision marked a significant shift in Nigeria’s economy and inflicted pain, leaving Nigerians to bear the brunt.
However, being in office for two-year, his determination to revamp the nation’s economy has faced significant backlash and controversy as economic hardship has hit the citizens.
In this report News Daily Prime will reviewed President Tinubu two year in office:
Economic Growth
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2024 recorded a year-on-year growth of 2.98%, compared to 2.31% in 2023 when he assumed office. This increase in GDP signifies an improvement since the fourth quarter of 2023.
Inflation
With the removal of the fuel subsidy and the rollout of other strict policies that placed pressure on the Naira, most Nigerians have suffered as prices of essential items have skyrocketed—transportation, house rent, food items, and other basic necessities have all seen significant increases.
These developments were witnessed during Tinubu’s second year in office. Due to inflation and a rising dollar exchange rate between 2023 and 2025, many importers have been trapped by the doubled exchange rate, leading to massive losses.
Despite the palliatives shared with millions of Nigerians, the pain of citizens remains, as food prices, transport costs, insecurity, and other costs of living remain high. The economic challenges, combined with recurring attacks by bandits on farmlands, have made food the leading driver of inflation in Nigeria.
In April 2025, Fitch Ratings, a credit rating agency, upgraded Nigeria’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘B’ from ‘B-‘, reflecting confidence in the Nigerian government’s commitment to implementing policy reforms following the shift from orthodox economic policies in June 2023.
Speaking on Wednesday, President Tinubu acknowledged the pain Nigerians are facing and noted that he remains determined to sustain his reforms.
Health Reforms Witnessed
As part of the RHA, the health sector was not left out. Policies aimed at improving the healthcare system are underway—from making primary healthcare centres and general hospitals more conducive, to the rollout of vaccines, and the provision of initiatives to tackle drug abuse, among others, using the Universal Health Coverage policy.
Tinubu admistration has witness partnership from health partners such as Gavi and also okayed the production of healthcare products locally.
However, the pressure mounted by the economic reforms and the accompanying devaluation of the Naira has made survival overwhelming for the average Nigerian.
Meanwhile, Bola Tinubu, in his mid-term address on Thursday, May 29, as President of the country, halted the country from further drifting into the precipice upon his assumption into office.
Making reference to the removal of fuel subsidy and the corruption-ridden multiple foreign exchange windows and longer sustainable and have become a chokehold on our nation’s neck, strangling our nation’s future, he said, “it was apparent that if the federal government and the other two tiers of government must remain viable and cater to the citizens’ welfare.”
He added that his administration has implemented reforms to restore and reinvigorate the nation’s economy and strengthen the social fabric as a strong and united country.
“Despite the bump in the cost of living, we have made undeniable progress.
“Inflation has begun to ease, with rice prices and other staples declining. The oil and gas sector is recovering; rig counts are up by over 400% in 2025 compared to 2021, and over $8 billion in new investments have been committed. We have stabilised our economy and are now better positioned for growth and prepared to withstand global shocks,” he said.
Tinubu added that the fiscal deficit of Nigeria has narrowed sharply from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024.
“We achieved this through improved revenue generation and greater transparency in government finances. In the first quarter of this year, we recorded over N6 trillion in revenue.”
The president noted that the federal government is eliminating the burden of multiple taxation, making it easier for small businesses to grow and join the formal economy, adding that “the tax reforms will protect low-income households and support workers by expanding their disposable income. Essential goods and services such as food, education, and healthcare will now attract 0% VAT. Rent, public transportation, and renewable energy will be fully exempted from VAT to reduce household costs further.”
According to Tinubu, his administration has improved collaboration among security agencies, increased intelligence-driven operations, and better ensured the welfare of our armed forces and security personnel.
He said, “amid the new security challenges, we can report some successes. In some areas of the northwest, hitherto under the control of bandits, our gallant armed forces have restored order, reducing and eliminating threats to lives and livelihoods. With the success achieved, farmers are back tilling the land to feed us. Highways, hitherto dangerous for travellers, have become safer. Our security agencies have succeeded many times in rescuing the abducted citizens from the hands of their tormentors. I promise you, we shall remain vigilant, as I told security chiefs during the last meeting to up their game and collaborate to end this plague of evil men. Every Nigerian deserves to live without fear.”
While Nigerians are embroiled with mixed reactions on the successes and challenges faced, many see 2027 as a channel to express their support and clamp their grievances on the current administration.
