Nigerians continue to grapple with daily challenges linked to rising prices and insecurity, which affect ordinary life from markets to travel.
Low-income households feel the pressure most, having to stretch limited resources and make careful choices to cope with economic and safety concerns.
Since taking office, President Bola Tinubu introduced several measures aimed at stabilising the economy and improving public safety.
Key among these were the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates, which narrowed the large gap between official and parallel market rates.
Security policy also shifted with the appointment of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser, marking a break from the tradition of choosing retired generals.
Ribadu prioritised intelligence-based, community-focused policing to address security threats, a change from past approaches.
In the economy, these reforms initially contributed to higher prices, with inflation surging to around 30 percent, affecting transportation and essential goods.
Government officials argued that these adjustments were essential to prevent a deeper economic crisis and lay the foundation for long-term stability.
Two years into the administration, progress is becoming evident, though challenges remain.
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, said: “The President and his team have worked hard to stabilise the economy. The reforms have been in the right direction.”
Economic data now show inflation reduced to about 21.3 percent, while GDP growth in the first quarter of 2025 reached 3.13 percent.
Dr Yemi Kale, former Statistician-General, noted: “Steady macroeconomic indicators allow businesses, investors, and citizens to plan with greater confidence.”
The agricultural sector contributed 23 percent to real GDP in the first quarter of 2025, up from 21 percent in the same period of 2024.
Food inflation has also dropped significantly, falling to 21.9 percent in June 2025 from over 40 percent the previous year.
These figures suggest that reforms are beginning to stabilise prices and improve livelihoods for ordinary Nigerians.
Security developments have also been encouraging. Nigerian forces recently apprehended Mahmud Muhammad Usman, the self-styled “Emir of Ansaru”, and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri Bara.
Operations against banditry in the northeast have reduced violence and allowed displaced communities to return to farming and trading activities.
These actions demonstrate the impact of intelligence-led operations, restoring confidence and enabling economic activity in previously unsafe areas.
Markets are functioning more steadily, farmers are able to work their land, and households experience improved access to food and goods.
While the pace of change is gradual, both economic and security indicators point to progress, giving Nigerians cautious optimism.
The Tinubu administration’s measures have laid a foundation for long-term stability, though continued efforts and monitoring are necessary to consolidate gains.
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