As Nigeria gears towards ushering in a new era of government with the country’s  inauguration of its president happening in a few days from now, there are numerous pressing issues that demand immediate attention that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration should as the matter of restoring public trust address with immediate speed. 

Apart from the existing challenges facing  Nigeria, which of course got aggravated during the ongoing administration, ranging from insecurity to unemployment, and economic sabotage to infrastructural degradation, The processes that are ushering the new government are being challenged in the county’s tribunal. 

Whether or not the numbers of the aggrieved parties challenging the results of the election are more or/with provable evidence, what is undoubtedly the reality in Nigeria is the public trust is badly affected. 

In a nutshell, the few days on the seat for the incoming president would be a hard nut but will definitely need to be cracked. 

Backed by statistics and data, these priorities will pave the way for sustainable development, socio-economic growth, and improved quality of life for Nigerians.

Restoring public trust 

The first step to an accountable and transparent government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose coming into power is still challenged in the tribunal, is to earn public trust. As stated earlier, several allegations and counter-allegations exist about whether or not the 71-year-old former Lagos state governor should/not be sworn in as the 6th democratically elected president of Africa’s most populous country. 

As much as it is not the focus of this article to decide what is already before the court, it is pertinent to place some of the challenges that will be hurled at Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and his ability to restore public trust and bring all parties to the table for an inclusive government. 

Fighting Corruption

Fighting corruption and promoting good governance is critical for Nigeria’s progress. Transparency International ranks Nigeria 150th out of 180 countries in its Corruption Perceptions Index (2022). Strengthening anti-corruption institutions, promoting accountability, and ensuring the rule of law are essential for building a corruption-free society and attracting investment. The citizens are eager to learn how the self-acclaimed “Builder of Lagos” will pull this “nut” to an enviable crack. 

Economy and Job Creation

Nigeria’s economy faces significant challenges, including high unemployment rates and a reliance on oil revenue. The new president must diversify the economy, promote entrepreneurship, and invest in sectors with potential for growth. Currently, Nigeria’s unemployment rate stands at 33.3%, and youth unemployment is even higher at 42.5% (National Bureau of Statistics, 2021). Policies aimed at job creation and skill development will be essential for sustainable economic growth.

Infrastructure Development

Investment in infrastructure is vital to stimulate economic growth and improve living standards. Nigeria’s inadequate infrastructure hampers productivity, increases transportation costs, and limits access to basic services. Data shows that only 35% of Nigerians have access to electricity (World Bank, 2021). The new president should prioritize infrastructure development in areas such as power generation, transportation networks, and digital connectivity.

Education and Skill Enhancement

A robust education system is crucial for human capital development and sustainable progress. Nigeria faces challenges in education quality, access, and equity. According to UNESCO, the country has the highest number of out-of-school children globally, estimated at 10.5 million (UNESCO, 2021). Investment in education, teacher training, and curriculum reform is essential for equipping Nigerians with the skills necessary for the future job market.

Healthcare and Universal Coverage

Improving healthcare services and ensuring universal health coverage should be high on the new president’s agenda. Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with 917 deaths per 100,000 live births (World Bank, 2021). Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, increasing access to quality care, and prioritizing preventative measures will save lives and promote the well-being of all Nigerians.

Security and Counterterrorism

Addressing security challenges is crucial to fostering stability and promoting investment. Nigeria has grappled with issues such as insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes. According to the Global Terrorism Index, Nigeria ranked third in the world for deaths from terrorism in 2019 (Institute for Economics and Peace, 2020). The new president must prioritize security sector reform, intelligence gathering, and community engagement to restore peace and protect citizens.

Agriculture and Food Security

Agriculture plays a significant role in Nigeria’s economy, employing a large portion of the population. However, the sector faces challenges such as low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to finance. The new president should prioritize agricultural reform, modernization, and investment in irrigation systems to enhance food security, reduce import dependency, and increase farmers’ income.

Energy and Renewable Sources

Nigeria, despite being a major oil producer, faces energy challenges, including an inadequate power supply and high energy costs. The country has an electrification rate of only 57.7% (World Bank, 2021). The new president should focus on diversifying the energy mix, promoting renewable energy sources

Gender Equality and Women Empowerment

Promoting gender equality is crucial for social development and economic growth. Nigeria ranks 125th out of 162 countries in the Gender Inequality Index (United Nations Development Programme, 2020). The new president should work towards eliminating gender-based discrimination, enhancing women’s participation in decision-making roles, and implementing policies that support women’s empowerment.

Environmental Sustainability

Climate change and environmental degradation pose significant threats to Nigeria’s ecosystem and population. The country faces challenges such as deforestation, desertification, and pollution. 

Nigeria is ranked 14th among countries most affected by climate change (Global Climate Risk Index, 2021). Prioritizing environmental conservation, promoting renewable energy, and implementing sustainable development practices will safeguard Nigeria’s natural resources for future generations.

Conclusion:

The challenges facing Nigeria are diverse and complex, requiring a strategic and data-driven approach. The new president must prioritize these ten key areas, focusing on sustainable economic growth, social development, and improved governance. By addressing these priorities, Nigeria can unlock its true potential, uplift its citizens, and pave the way for a prosperous future.