Open Letter to President Bola Tinubu By Hassana Suleiman Kandi

Mr. President,

I greet you with the highest respect and commend you for your steadfast commitment to the Nigerian people since taking office. Your administration has embarked on bold reforms aimed at reshaping the nation’s economic and social landscape.

Many Nigerians acknowledge and appreciate the efforts you are making to steer the country towards a more prosperous future. The removal of fuel subsidies, for example, was a difficult but necessary decision in an effort to redirect resources to more productive sectors of the economy.

We understand that no true transformation comes without challenges, and that the path to progress often demands difficult sacrifices. However, as the nation endures these trials, the level of hardship and uncertainty many Nigerians are experiencing has raised critical concerns about the pace and structure of the reforms.

It is essential that the policies designed to move Nigeria forward are executed in a manner that eases the suffering of the most vulnerable. Mr. President, it is in this context that I wish to address the areas where the impact of your reforms is felt most deeply, and to offer suggestions that might help your administration deliver the change we all desire for our beloved nation.

Despite your administration’s efforts, the harsh realities facing Nigerians cannot be ignored. Insecurity, unemployment, and economic instability have taken a severe toll on the nation. Many families are struggling to survive as prices of essential goods and services soar beyond their reach.

The removal of the fuel subsidy, though necessary, has led to unprecedented spikes in fuel costs, with the price per liter rising from ₦198 to over ₦1,000 in some areas. This has caused a ripple effect throughout the economy, with transportation costs increasing by 60%, and food prices spiraling out of control.

While Nigerians understand the need for economic reform, the rapid escalation in the cost of living has left millions in despair. The frustration is palpable as citizens contend with reduced purchasing power, diminished job opportunities, and a volatile currency. The devaluation of the naira has further worsened the situation, making imported goods prohibitively expensive and stretching household budgets to breaking point.

Insecurity continues to be a major concern. The rise in criminal activities—ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping—has made life more precarious for many Nigerians. Meanwhile, youth unemployment remains at alarming levels. This unfortunate combination has driven many into desperation, with some resorting to crime as a means of survival.

The unemployment crisis must be addressed with urgency, not only for the sake of social stability but to harness the vast potential of Nigeria’s youth. With millions of young people left without viable economic opportunities, we risk losing a generation to hopelessness.

The education sector, once seen as a path to upward mobility, is now increasingly out of reach for many families. Rising tuition fees have forced students out of school, leaving them stranded in a system that was once their ticket to a brighter future. Access to quality education is a cornerstone of national development, and without it, the prospects for future growth become dim.

Similarly, the state of healthcare has become dire. Reports indicate that Nigeria loses 100 children under the age of five to malnutrition every hour. This is not just a statistic, but a heartbreaking reality for many families who are unable to afford even basic healthcare or nutrition. If left unchecked, this public health crisis will further strain the nation’s already overburdened systems.

Mr. President, while we commend your resolve in undertaking these necessary reforms, there are several steps that can be taken to cushion the impacts and create a more sustainable path forward for Nigeria.

It is essential that the savings from the fuel subsidy removal be transparently reinvested into sectors that will have an immediate and direct impact on the lives of everyday Nigerians. Key areas include transportation infrastructure, affordable energy solutions, and food security programs that will bring relief to the most vulnerable.

To curb the unemployment crisis, we need robust policies that invest in the youth. By creating job opportunities through local industries, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, we can unlock the potential of our young population. Partnering with the private sector to expand vocational training and digital skills programs will also help equip young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in today’s global economy.

Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources, and agriculture should be a primary driver of our economic recovery. By supporting farmers with better access to resources, technologies, and markets, we can reduce our dependence on food imports and create sustainable livelihoods for millions of Nigerians. Furthermore, encouraging local manufacturing and production will reduce the strain on foreign exchange and revitalize domestic industries.

Quality education and healthcare should be non-negotiable rights for every Nigerian. Increasing funding for public education and healthcare institutions, along with implementing programs to make these services more affordable, will help ensure that no Nigerian is left behind. A healthy and educated population is the bedrock of any thriving nation.

The stability of our currency is vital to the wellbeing of the economy. Interventions to stabilize the naira should be prioritized, ensuring that the purchasing power of Nigerians is protected. Supporting local businesses and reducing reliance on imports will help keep the currency stable in the long term.

Your Excellency, the Nigerian people are resilient and willing to endure sacrifices for the sake of progress, but only if they see tangible results that improve their everyday lives. It is imperative that your administration listens to the voices of ordinary citizens and makes adjustments where necessary to ease the burden on the population.

By focusing on policies that uplift the most vulnerable and investing in sectors that will have long-term benefits, your leadership can leave a lasting legacy that will be remembered for generations. Mr. President, you have the opportunity to guide Nigeria through these challenging times and restore faith in the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.

We believe that with the right approach, Nigeria can emerge stronger and more united than ever before.

Hassana Suleiman Kandi is a student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, and an intern at PRNigeria. She can be reached via [email protected].