When Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office as the 16th President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023, he presented himself as a champion of democratic ideals, committed to improving the economic landscape of Nigeria. His pledges were rooted in promises of reform, accountability, and the long-term vision of transforming Nigeria into a prosperous, stable nation. However, as the months have passed since his swearing-in, a growing sentiment among Nigerians suggests that the president may not be listening to the very people he vowed to serve.
One of the most notable policy changes under Tinubu’s administration has been the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira. While these policies were long touted as necessary for the country’s economic recovery, they have also led to significant price hikes in basic goods and services, which have disproportionately affected the average Nigerian. The inflationary pressure has hit hard, with many struggling to keep up with rising costs. The middle class, once seen as the backbone of the nation’s economy, is being gradually eroded, while the poverty gap continues to widen.
At the heart of this discontent is the stark reality that despite the growing suffering among Nigerians, the president has shown little sign of adjusting his policies. Fuel prices have skyrocketed, and essential services such as electricity and telecommunications have followed suit, with rates increasing at alarming speeds. In fact, DSTV raised its subscription fees twice between 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, electricity tariffs have climbed, and telecom operators have hiked both call and data rates by nearly 50%.
Nigerians have not remained silent. Protests, strikes, and public outcries have become regular occurrences, with the organized labor unions leading the charge. However, despite the widespread discontent and the loud voices of dissent, President Tinubu seems steadfast in his economic approach, raising the question: is he still a listening president?
Certainly, there are instances where Tinubu demonstrated responsiveness to public concerns. For example, following protests and criticisms over certain high-profile appointments, the president acted swiftly to suspend or replace individuals who were deemed unsuitable for their positions. This suggests that, at least in the realm of personnel choices, the president is willing to listen to feedback and make adjustments. But the question remains whether this attentiveness to individual concerns extends to the broader societal pain felt by Nigerians at large.
The fact remains that for many, the government’s policies have left them with little to cling to. The rising cost of living, exacerbated by high inflation, is a daily struggle for millions. While the government may argue that these sacrifices are necessary for long-term economic stability, it is crucial to acknowledge the immediate suffering and growing frustration felt by the population.
In the face of such widespread hardship, the true test of a listening president is not merely the ability to act on select concerns or personnel issues but to demonstrate empathy and adaptability in the face of national crises. For many Nigerians, the belief that President Tinubu is in tune with their struggles is rapidly eroding, replaced by a growing sense of abandonment.
Is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu still a listening president? In many ways, he has proven responsive to certain issues, but when it comes to the cries of ordinary Nigerians suffering under the weight of economic reforms, his apparent unwillingness to alter course raises serious doubts. Perhaps it is time for the president to recalibrate his policies in a way that balances necessary reforms with the needs and realities of the people he was elected to serve. Until then, the question of whether he is still a listening president remains an open one.
By Ebriku John Friday
