Open Letter to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Strategic Recommendations for Alleviating Hardship in Nigeria, Inspired by Former President Muhammadu Buhari

Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

I extend my sincere greetings and best wishes for your continued leadership as you strive to create a prosperous and stable Nigeria. As you chart a course to improve our nation’s economy, it is crucial to address the pressing concerns of hardship affecting millions of Nigerians. We recognize the difficult economic environment you have inherited, but history offers valuable lessons that could guide your administration in crafting policies that balance fiscal responsibility with the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s approach to managing international financial pressures, particularly from institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), demonstrated how strategic governance could protect the poor from economic shocks. Your Excellency, I humbly present some of these strategies for your consideration to mitigate the harsh realities facing Nigerians today.

Debt Management with a Pro-Poor Focus
Your administration should continue the practice of careful debt management. Avoiding extensive borrowing from institutions that impose rigid austerity measures is crucial. Instead, consider engaging in bilateral agreements and concessional loans that come with more favorable terms. This approach can ensure that our people are not burdened with policies that could drive them further into poverty.

Strengthening and Expanding Social Investment Programs
Building on the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) from the previous administration could provide much-needed relief to our poorest citizens. Initiatives like youth employment schemes (N-Power), direct cash transfers to vulnerable households, school feeding programs, and microcredit support for small businesses should be revitalized and expanded. Your Excellency, by investing in these social programs, you can provide a robust safety net for Nigerians as economic reforms unfold.

Gradual and Managed Subsidy Reforms
Fuel subsidy removal has been one of the most contentious issues affecting Nigerians. It is vital to adopt a phased approach to subsidy reforms, ensuring that alternative measures are in place to reduce the impact on the cost of living. Implementing targeted relief packages and supporting public transportation can ease the transition for the most affected groups.

Promoting Agricultural Self-Sufficiency
As President Buhari did, you could invest significantly in agriculture to ensure food security and affordability.
Strengthening initiatives like the Anchor Borrower Program will empower small-scale farmers, boost local food production, and create jobs. By prioritizing agriculture, your administration can shield our citizens from global food price fluctuations and provide affordable nutrition for all.
Exchange Rate Management for Stability
Your Excellency, while international pressure may call for floating the naira, careful exchange rate management is necessary to curb inflation and stabilize the economy. By providing essential support to key industries and controlling import dependency, your administration can prevent a cost-of-living crisis that would disproportionately affect the poor.
Investment in Infrastructure to Spur Job Creation
Investing in infrastructure development has proven to be a catalyst for economic growth and employment. Expanding on existing projects in roads, railways, and power generation will not only modernize our infrastructure but also create millions of jobs. These opportunities can provide a livelihood for many families and reduce the hardship faced by our youth and low-income households.
Negotiating Flexible Economic Reforms with Global Partners
As you engage with global financial institutions, I urge your administration to negotiate for policies that are flexible and aligned with our country’s socio-economic realities. Delaying or gradually implementing measures like tariff hikes or subsidy removals can give Nigerians time to adapt. We must place the welfare of our citizens at the heart of these discussions to ensure reforms do not disproportionately hurt those who can least afford it.
Your Excellency, the Nigerian people are resilient and hopeful. However, they need policies that protect their livelihoods and support their ambitions. By implementing these strategies, your administration can foster a more inclusive economic recovery and reduce the current hardship faced by millions. We trust in your commitment to creating a better future for all Nigerians.

With profound respect,
Dr Musa Abdullahi Sufi
Development Writer