Former lawmaker, Mr. Sam Onuigbo, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, infrastructure projects and political inclusion provide strong reasons for his re-election in 2027.
Onuigbo stated this at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, where he assessed the Tinubu administration’s performance since assuming office in 2023.
He said Tinubu inherited a difficult economic situation, including N23.7 trillion in Ways and Means obligations and more than 7.5 billion dollars owed foreign airlines.
Onuigbo described the removal of fuel subsidy as a bold decision, but acknowledged that it caused hardship for Nigerians.
He said the reforms were beginning to produce results, citing GDP growth of 4.43 per cent, compared with about 2.74 per cent in 2023.
According to him, the services sector now contributes more than 56 per cent of GDP, while oil accounts for about four per cent.
Onuigbo also cited increased foreign investment, saying Nigeria attracted more than 20 billion dollars in foreign direct investment in 2026, with total inflows exceeding 50 billion dollars since 2023.
He identified the establishment of the South-East Development Commission, SEDC, as another major achievement of the administration, saying it would support development and reconstruction in the region.
The former lawmaker also mentioned the Enugu-Port Harcourt and Enugu-Onitsha roads, the Second Niger Bridge, the expansion of Enugu Airport and the planned airport project in Abia as evidence of infrastructure development.
He said the appointment of senior military officers from the South-East also reflected greater political inclusion under the Tinubu administration.
Onuigbo said Nigerians, including the Igbo, who are heavily involved in businesses across the country, would benefit from economic stability and the government’s reforms.
He also commended regional development commissions, particularly the North-East Development Commission, NEDC, for rebuilding infrastructure destroyed by insurgency.
The former lawmaker urged state governments to ensure that increased Federation Account allocations translate into better services and development at the grassroots.
He said local governments, being closest to the people, could also help in tackling insecurity through their knowledge of local communities.
Onuigbo identified the student loan scheme as one of the administration’s major policies, saying about one million students had benefited.
He also cited the implementation of the Climate Change Act and investments in green industrialisation.
On security, Onuigbo said the country was making progress but needed to sustain the momentum.
He expressed confidence that the administration’s achievements in the economy, infrastructure, education and political inclusion would strengthen support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
