“From T-Pain To Baba-T: Tinubu’s Critics Will Soon Become Cheerleaders – Presidency Boasts”

Even Tinubu’s staunchest opponents concede that without critical reforms—like eliminating the petrol subsidy and harmonizing the various exchange rates—Nigeria might have teetered on the brink of economic collapse. Sticking to the previous system could have bankrupted the nation and triggered a debt crisis.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Countries like Argentina, which suffered multiple debt defaults (notably in 2001 and 2014), faced crippling economic fallout. Greece endured a brutal debt crisis in the late 2000s and early 2010s that ushered in severe austerity. Venezuela’s economy collapsed under the weight of hyperinflation and default. Zambia defaulted on its Eurobond debt in 2020, while Pakistan has frequently relied on bailouts from international lenders to stay afloat.

In light of these examples, I urge Nigerians grappling with economic hardship to consider how much worse things could have been had President Tinubu not acted with urgency and resolve. Compared to the grim experiences of these nations, Nigeria has avoided the worst.

Even some former critics now concede the reforms were essential. Yes, the initial pain is real—but temporary. These bold changes are laying the groundwork for long-term stability. Already, signs of relief and opportunity are beginning to emerge.

The easing of economic pressures—enabled by structural reforms—is opening doors Nigerians have long waited to walk through. These are the true dividends of democracy, awaited since the return to civilian rule in 1999, now 26 years ago as of May 29.

It is within this context that I firmly state:
“Those calling Tinubu ‘T-Pain’ today will hail him as ‘Baba-T’ tomorrow.”
This praise will stem from the relief and transformation brought about by eliminating unsustainable fuel subsidies, reforming electricity pricing, and unshackling the naira—all structural imbalances that stifled our economy for decades.

In my recent series titled ‘Democracy, GDP Growth, Poverty, and Insecurity in Nigeria’, I explained why GDP growth alone doesn’t automatically reduce poverty—a global truth, not just a Nigerian one.

Now, consider the tax reform bills recently passed by the National Assembly. Once signed into law, they will rank among the most pro-poor policies of the Tinubu administration. One bill exempts low-income earners from paying personal income tax while increasing levies on luxury goods—a clear step toward equitable wealth redistribution.

These laws will also motivate states and cities to attract job-creating industries, as they allow 30% of tax revenue to be retained in the state where goods or services originate. This means economic leadership at the subnational level will become more decisive in governance, much like how U.S. states compete to host major corporations.

Once enacted, these reforms will significantly ease the pressure on ordinary Nigerians. The poorest will be spared, while those with greater means will contribute more. A revised tax system introduces new income brackets: anyone earning below the national minimum wage is exempt, while those earning ₦50 million and above will pay more under a progressive system.

These bills are widely seen as transformative. They form a core part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s economic architecture. They also validate the central idea from my last column: economic fundamentals must be in place before growth trickles down to the masses.

Yet many citizens still equate GDP growth with instant prosperity. This misconception needs to be addressed. GDP growth is the beginning—not the end—of poverty alleviation. It’s a signpost that, if sustained through sound policy, leads to progress.

With better understanding, Nigerians can approach reform with more patience and less skepticism. For example, when I published an article on LinkedIn using the metaphor “the ice is thawing on the Nigerian economy,” it was widely misinterpreted as implying the crisis was over. Critics labeled me a Tinubu apologist. It took weeks of explaining—with data and logic—to clarify the gap between macroeconomic indicators and daily realities.

That experience cemented my belief in the need to educate the public about the difference between a recovering economy and improved daily life. A glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel is not the same as stepping into full daylight.

The purpose of this piece is thus to manage expectations. We’re not at Uhuru yet, but we’re inching closer. If the reforms stay on course, Nigeria could achieve true economic stability.

Culturally, we’re used to promises made in optimism and broken in reality—what we jokingly call African Time. In contrast, in developed societies, expectations are set conservatively and exceeded. That’s how you build trust.

So, government officials must resist the urge to say, “The suffering is over.” Instead, they should paint an honest picture:
We’re not where we need to be, but we’re not where we were. We now see:

• NELFUND established to support students

• Minimum wage raised to ₦70,000

• Salary backlogs for public workers cleared

• CBN’s FX reserves strengthened

• Naira stabilization and improved forex access

• Falling inflation

• Elimination of fuel queues

• CreditCorp launched to offer soft loans to ordinary Nigerians

This creates room to confidently discuss the real impact of the tax reforms—broader tax base, fairer contribution, and more government revenue for infrastructure and social services.

Major projects like the Lagos–Calabar coastal road and Badagry–Sokoto highway will link rural and urban economies, unlocking vast lands previously stuck as “dead capital.” These projects offer greater poverty-reducing potential than capital-intensive ventures like the Dangote Refinery or Bonga offshore oil project, which generate massive profits but few jobs.

That said, these mega-projects remain critical catalysts. For instance, Dangote’s retail rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) could revolutionize access to affordable energy for the masses—proving that trickle-down economics can, in fact, work.

These are credible signs of hope. But instead of dismissing citizens’ hardship, we must acknowledge it, explain the timeline of reform outcomes, and show the visible steps being taken.

The reality is this: Nigerians aren’t impressed by economic figures when 95% of their income still goes toward food. If reforms stay on track and policies remain consistent—especially those now pausing further burdens while removing duties on food imports—then within 6 to 12 months, the economic tide may truly begin to turn.

And when that happens, even the skeptics may have to admit that President Tinubu delivered. With the administration hitting the 18-month mark, the shift toward pro-poor policies shows a new phase: one of consistency, caution, and care.

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.