What Challenges Lie Ahead For Nigeria's President Tinubu?

President Bola Tinubu has officially taken office at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. He however faces significant problems - including widespread insecurity, rising inflation, and oil theft, writes Ibrahim Adeyemi for Premium Times.

Nigerians continue to face many of the challenges that the ruling All Progressives Congress party promised to address eight years ago under former president Muhammadu Buhari's administration. The nation is deeply divided along ethnic and religious lines, which has caused tension and conflict. The economy has been bruised, with rising inflation, corruption and poor purchasing power affecting the people. Insecurity has increased, with terrorism, armed banditry, and other crimes plaguing different regions. The education sector has seen repeated strikes by university teachers, despite promises of stability. The health sector also requires significant improvement, as both former president Muhammadu Buhari and current President Bola Tinubu have sought medical treatment abroad.

Tinubu plans to address economic issues by building on infrastructure programmes, reducing corporate tax, and eliminating fuel subsidies. He aims to attract investment, streamline foreign exchange rates, and use foreign borrowing for revenue-generating projects. Addressing insecurity is also a priority. Tinubu portrays himself as a human rights advocate, but critics question his commitment to accountability in cases of abuse.

The credibility of Nigeria's democracy is also under scrutiny due to malfunctions, violence, and challenges to the election results. His victory in the election is being contested in court by his main rivals, highlighting the divided state of the nation.