Feature/OPED
Tinubu’s Tightrope: Assessing Nigeria’s Economy After One Year In Office
By James Ezema
As President Bola Tinubu’s administration in Nigeria clocks the one-year mark, the state of the country’s economy remains a cause for concern.
Since taking office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu has faced numerous challenges in stabilising the economy and setting it on a path to sustainable growth. However, the Nigerian economy continues to wobble under his administration with increasing hardship.
Amid various challenges, ranging from inflation to unemployment, Tinubu’s government faces the daunting task of repositioning the economy for sustainable growth.
In assessing the current state of Nigeria’s faltering economy as inherited by President Tinubu, key areas his government should focus on to steer the country towards economic stability are herein highlighted in an attempt to contribute ideas that could usher in a better life for the citizens.
The State of the Nigerian Economy
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has inherited from former President Muhammadu Buhari an economy plagued by high inflation, rising debt levels, and sluggish growth.
Inflation has been on the rise, reaching double digits in recent months, making it difficult for ordinary Nigerians to afford basic necessities. No thanks to the sudden removal of subsidy on petrol. The high inflation has been exacerbated by the depreciation of the Nigerian Naira, which has lost value against major foreign currencies, leading to higher prices for imported goods and services.
To be blamed also is the carried-over negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic which earlier led to job losses and increased poverty levels. Despite efforts to stimulate the economy through various policies and interventions, the impact has been limited, and the economy continues to struggle.
Inflation and Exchange Rate Stability
One of the key areas of concern for the Tinubu administration is inflation and exchange rate stability. As captured in the background of this article, it is important to emphasise that inflation has been on the rise, eroding the purchasing power of Nigerians and making it difficult for businesses to plan and invest. The exchange rate has also been volatile, leading to uncertainty in the business environment.
Addressing these issues will be crucial in restoring confidence in the economy. It is obvious that the economic policies of the administration have so far not reduced inflation and addressed the exchange rate problem. A change of policy or a change of guard could be considered.
Unemployment and Youth Empowerment
Another major challenge facing the economy is the high level of unemployment. Despite the government’s efforts to create jobs through various initiatives, the unemployment rate remains stubbornly high, particularly among young people. This has hindered economic growth, as a large segment of the population is unable to contribute positively to the economy.
Unemployment remains a major challenge in Nigeria, with a large percentage of the population, especially the youth, without jobs. President Tinubu’s government must prioritize youth empowerment programs and initiatives to create job opportunities and reduce the unemployment rate.
Investing in skills development and entrepreneurship will be key to unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s youth population. Without an adequate power supply, the situation will worsen with the high cost of fuel for generators that could power small businesses.
Infrastructure Development
In addition to these challenges, Nigeria’s economy has also been hampered by a lack of infrastructure development. The country’s roads, ports, and power supply are in dire need of investment and improvement, which has slowed down economic activities and deterred foreign investors from setting up businesses in the country.
Infrastructure development is essential for economic growth and development. President Tinubu’s government should, therefore, focus on improving the country’s infrastructure, including roads, power, and transportation networks, beginning with intra-state transportation systems. Investing in infrastructure will not only create jobs but also attract foreign investment and stimulate economic activity.
Therefore, for emphasis, the government must prioritize investment in infrastructure development beyond mere sloganeering. Specifically, the government must intentionally improve the country’s roads, ports, as well as power supply as electricity infrastructure is key. This will boost economic activities and attract needed foreign investors looking to set up businesses in Nigeria. This will go a long way in creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to the urgently needed economic growth.
Diversification of the Economy
Over the years, Nigeria’s economy has been heavily reliant on oil, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices and local factors.
President Tinubu’s government should, therefore, prioritize diversifying the economy by promoting non-oil sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services beyond mere words. Diversification will reduce the country’s dependence on oil revenue and make the economy more resilient to external shocks.
If the current administration will ever get the economy right, the Tinubu administration must, as a matter of urgency, do more towards implementing policies that promote economic diversification and industrialization. The heavy reliance on oil exports over the decades has increasingly made Nigeria’s economy very vulnerable, which has worsened with reports indicating that Nigeria’s oil has been sold in advance for unspecified periods.
Therefore, by diversifying the economy and promoting the growth of non-oil sectors such as agriculture, and manufacturing for export, among others, the government can create new sources of revenue and employment opportunities for Nigerians.
Fiscal Discipline and Debt Management
Fiscal discipline and debt management are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of Nigeria’s economy. President Tinubu’s government must prioritize prudent fiscal management and debt sustainability to avoid a debt crisis or over-taxation of impoverished citizens who are economically gasping for breath at the moment. Implementing reforms to improve revenue generation, without overburdening poverty-stricken Nigerians, and reduce wasteful spending by government officials and appointees will be essential in achieving fiscal stability.
Anti-Corruption and Good Governance
Despite efforts by the new chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, corruption remains a major impediment to Nigeria’s economic development. President Tinubu’s government should intensify efforts to combat corruption and promote good governance.
Strengthening institutions, enhancing transparency, and holding corrupt officials accountable will be crucial in restoring trust in the government and attracting investment. A major priority for President Tinubu’s administration should be a systematic recovery of all and every fund allegedly looted by officials of the immediate past administration and the tracing and recovery of the allegedly shared oil revenues by those referred to as former President Muhammadu Buhari’s “boys”. There are allegations of looted loans, which should be thoroughly investigated as the recovery of looted funds from former ministers and other appointees of the previous government could give a lifeline to the funding of the 2024 budget against borrowing.
Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation
The poverty levels in Nigeria have remained very high, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line. President Tinubu’s government should prioritize social welfare programmes and poverty alleviation initiatives to improve the living standards of Nigerians. The sharing of money or the so-called conditional money transfer has only enriched the very wealthy government officials and appointees.
Therefore, President Tinubu’s administration should consider investing in affordable healthcare, free education, and social protection to reduce the poverty and inequality gap in the country.
In conclusion, as President Tinubu clocked one year in office on May 29, 2024, there are several areas that his government should focus on to reposition the ailing economy and set it on a path to recovery.
By focusing on such key areas as inflation and exchange rate stability, unemployment and youth empowerment, infrastructure development, diversification of the economy, fiscal discipline, anti-corruption, good governance, social welfare, and poverty alleviation, his government can reposition the economy for sustainable growth and development. President Tinubu must take bold and decisive actions to steer Nigeria towards economic stability and prosperity.
Comrade James Ezema is a journalist, political strategist and President/Executive Coordinator of the Not Too Young To Perform (NTYTP), a young people-driven pro-democracy and leadership development advocacy group. He is also the National President of the Association of Bloggers and Journalists Against Fake News. He writes from Abuja and can be reached via email at [email protected] or WhatsApp on 08035823617
By Nafisat Damisa
Introduction
The proliferation of generative AI has transformed Nigeria’s cybercrime landscape, enabling deepfake fraud, automated social engineering, and AI-enhanced phishing at scale. In early 2024, scammers using AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating a company’s CFO defrauded a Hong Kong finance worker of $25.6 million. As similar threats emerge in Nigeria’s fintech sector, this article examines whether the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 (as amended 2024) is legally adequate, or whether Nigeria’s evidentiary and accountability frameworks are too weak to support effective prosecution of AI-driven cybercrime
Current Legal Landscape
Nigeria’s primary legal framework on preventing cybercrime is the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, amended in 2024 to address cryptocurrency transactions, cyberbullying and various forms of digital misconduct. Complementary frameworks include the National Information Technology Development Agency Act 2007, the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023, and sectoral regulations such as the CBN’s Risk-Based Cybersecurity Framework. However, the majority of these frameworks were issued far before now, and emerging risks like AI-driven threats are not really being addressed. The Act nowhere mentions “artificial intelligence,” “algorithm,” or “autonomous system.” Notably, the National Artificial Intelligence Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2025, is currently pending before the Senate. If passed, it would establish a dedicated commission to coordinate AI strategy, research, and ethical deployment. However, the Bill in its present form focuses primarily on development and innovation promotion, with limited provisions on criminal liability, evidence handling, or enforcement against AI-facilitated cybercrime, leaving the core accountability and evidentiary gaps largely unaddressed.
AI as a Double-Edged Sword
AI paradoxically enables both defence and attack. Nigerian financial institutions deploy AI for real-time fraud detection and pattern recognition. Conversely, cybercriminals exploit generative AI for deepfake creation, automated credential stuffing, and convincing phishing tailored to Nigerian English and Pidgin. The same technology that powers fraud detection systems can be weaponised to evade them. Take justice delivery as an example, the Evidence Act 2011 (as amended 2023) admits computer-generated evidence under Section 84, but remains silent on AI’s capacity to seamlessly generate or alter electronic records, creating “doctored AI-generated evidence”. These and many more issues await Nigeria’s digital space in the coming years.
The Legal Gaps
There are multiple critical gaps that undermine AI governance. For this article, three are considered. First, no framework attributes criminal liability when an autonomous AI commits an offence. The question of whether the developer, user, or owner should bear criminal responsibility for the acts of an autonomous system remains entirely unanswered under Nigerian law, leaving prosecutors without a clear legal theory of culpability.
Second, Section 84 of the Evidence Act 2011 governs computer-generated evidence but does not address AI-generated outputs. The Act’s definition of “computer” excludes AI’s cognitive processing capabilities, creating a statutory blind spot where evidence produced by generative or autonomous systems falls outside the existing admissibility framework.
Third, Nigeria lacks any framework for mandatory AI-generated content labelling, impeding deepfake traceability. Computer-generated evidence under Section 84 of the Evidence Act 2011 remains admissible if unchallenged at trial, a dangerous precedent for AI evidence, as opposing parties may lack the technical capacity to mount any challenge at all.
Comparative Jurisdictions: Rich Laws, Tangible Results
Jurisdictions with advanced AI laws demonstrate clear outcomes. The EU AI Act (Regulation 2024/1689) mandates transparency obligations, requiring synthetic content labelling and informing individuals when interacting with AI systems; non-compliance triggers significant penalties. The US Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2023 is a proposed Act that will require impact assessments for high-risk AI systems in housing, credit, and employment, with FTC enforcement and a public repository. China implemented mandatory measures for the Identification of AI-generated (Synthetic) content. These rules, mandated by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and others, require explicit (visible labels) and implicit (watermarks/metadata) identification for all AI-generated text, images, audio, video, and virtual scenes to ensure transparency, traceability, and combat disinformation. These laws contribute to measurable results: forensic traceability, expedited prosecution of deepfake fraud, and clear liability chains. Nigeria has none of these.
Hope or Illusion?
Without legislative intervention, AI’s promise against cybercrime remains an illusion. Nigeria requires the following to boost its hope:
- Amendment of the Cybercrimes Act to include AI-specific offences and mandatory content provenance standards;
- Revision of Section 84 of the Evidence Act 2011 to address AI-generated evidence credibility, not merely admissibility;
- Investment in digital forensic capabilities is currently hampered by inadequate enforcement, weak forensic capabilities, and a lack of specialised personnel; and
- A risk-based framework drawing from EU and US models.
- Review of both secondary and tertiary education curricula to address the knowledge gap in AI and prepare the next generation for the AI-driven future.
Conclusion
AI can help curb cybercrime in Nigeria, but only if legal capacity catches up with technical capability. The Cybercrimes Act 2024 amendments were a step forward, but they did not address AI accountability, algorithmic transparency, or evidentiary credibility. The pending National Artificial Intelligence Commission Bill, 2025, signals legislative awareness, but without substantive provisions on liability, evidence, and enforcement, it cannot fill the existing gaps. The effectiveness of existing frameworks remains a question. An optimistic but cautious path exists, but until Nigeria enacts AI-specific legislation, whether through amending the Cybercrimes Act, revising the Evidence Act, or strengthening the pending Bill, weak laws will remain unable to support strong technology.
Nafisat Damisa is a Legal Research Associate in Olives and Candles – Legal Practitioners. For further information, enquiries, or clarification, please contact Nafisat via: [email protected] or [email protected]
By Isah Kamisu Madachi
As of April 30, 2026, the crude price is said to have reached $125 in the global market. The all-time high price per barrel was recorded in 2008, when it surged to $147. It is obvious that the price is heading in that direction or even towards what experts have predicted — crude reaching a new all-time high of $150 in the near future if crude passages remain closed in the Middle East, which would ultimately come with several disproportionate challenges for businesses and households.
In Nigeria, what began as a mild adjustment in the price of gasoline and other refined crude products has not stopped anywhere until it reached N1,400 per litre of petrol at filling stations. When the price was surging, experts in energy, economics, marketing, business and other relevant fields tried to come up with explanations for how Nigeria, despite housing the largest petrochemicals refinery in Africa and being one of the largest oil-exporting countries on the continent, would continue to absorb this shock.
Despite our advantages, Nigeria recorded the world’s second-highest surge in petrol prices following the escalating geopolitical tension in the Middle East. In Africa, Nigeria has the highest spike, with many sources citing it at 39.5% and above. Even non-oil-producing countries in Africa, and countries that do not refine a drop of oil, did not experience this surge. Also, African countries like South Africa at 1%, Morocco at 2.1%, and Tanzania at 2.7% experienced far smaller increases that are nowhere near Nigeria’s.
To put it in context, South Korea, Japan, and China are among the foremost dependents on the Strait of Hormuz, whose closure escalated the crude price, but none of these countries has recorded even a 20% increase in their petrol prices. Nigeria does not import its crude through the Strait of Hormuz. Yet, as an oil-exporting nation, we have suffered some of the sharpest petrol price increases in Africa.
What went wrong in Nigeria to warrant this surge is not the primary focus of this piece. What lies ahead is. As a result of the increase in petrol prices, Nigerians have been disproportionately affected. Life has become unbearably difficult, with sharp increases in transportation costs, rising food prices, and higher costs of goods and services. Even charging points that used to collect N150 for charging a phone or battery now charge N300 or more.
As it stands, the gap between the current crude price and the predicted new all-time high is about $25. This means that if the passages continue to remain closed, we are not far from another historic price peak. It is even said that reopening the passages may not immediately stabilise prices, as crude tankers would still take time to reach their destinations.
What this means for Nigeria is another sharp increase in refined petroleum product prices, which could trigger another wave of stagflation. Already struggling, Nigerians do not deserve this. They are only just adapting to the post-subsidy era, yet are being hit again by another round of global geopolitical tensions. Many are already in deep energy poverty, with businesses struggling due to unstable electricity supply.
Therefore, as crude oil prices hover above $125 per barrel and threaten to reach the predicted $150 if disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz persist, Nigeria must act decisively to shield its citizens. The Dangote Refinery exists. Nigeria refines oil. What the federal government owes Nigerians at this point is a deliberate policy decision to make that the refinery serve domestic needs first, with pricing that does not mirror whatever is happening in the global market. That is not complicated; other oil-producing countries do exactly this.
The NMDPRA has the authority to act on this. The question is whether there is a political will to act before another price wave hits and Nigerians are once again left to absorb what their counterparts elsewhere never have to.
Sub-national governments also have something to do. Commercial motorcyclists and small business owners are the people who feel every petrol price increase the hardest and the fastest. Pushing CNG and LPG adoption among this group beyond the FCT and Lagos, with genuine support, would cushion a significant part of the next shock. Expanding solar access in underserved communities would do the same. A shop owner running on solar is not at the mercy of the next diesel price spike.
These solutions are quite feasible. Nigeria has attempted versions of them before. Where we often seem to get it wrong is in execution, and Nigeria has to treat this with the same urgency and seriousness as given to elections, for the well-being of its citizens. The only thing that has never matched the problem is the seriousness of the response.
Isah Kamisu Madachi is a policy analyst and development practitioner. He writes via [email protected]
By Gbolahan Oluyemi
In 2025, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) directed all Licensed Pension Fund Operators (LPFOs) to demand a Pension Clearance Certificate (PCC) from service providers before engaging their services. This new policy typically affects various types of entities, including small and medium-scale enterprises, most of which are not usually compliance-driven. Following this directive, the PCC has become an essential compliance document for both large, medium and small-scale firms. This article provides a guide on what a PCC is, why it matters, and how it can be obtained.
What is a Pension Clearance Certificate (PCC)?
A Pension Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by PenCom confirming that an organisation has complied with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act. It is an annual document that must be renewed every year at no cost. The yearly renewal is intended to ensure that organisations treat compliance as a continuous activity rather than a one-off act.
Why is a PCC Important?
The PCC is important because it demonstrates that an organisation is compliant with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act, especially as it relates to employee pension contributions under Section 4 (1) of the Pension Reform Act and subscription to group life insurance under Section 4 (5) of the Pension Reform Act. It is also required for certain transactions, such as government contracts and engagements with compliance-sensitive partners. In essence, a PCC assures investors, partners, and clients that your business is properly structured and compliant with regulatory requirements.
Who Needs a Pension Clearance Certificate?
Under Nigerian law, companies with three or more employees are required to participate in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). If your organisation employs at least three staff members and provides or intends to provide services to Licensed Pension Fund Operators (LPFOs) or other regulated entities, you are expected to obtain a PCC annually.
How Do I Obtain a PCC?
PenCom issues the PCC electronically and at no cost through its web portal: https://pcc.pencom.gov.ng/. Please note that Applicants who are just beginning compliance and remitting employees’ pensions are required to first obtain an employer code from a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA). This code is necessary to initiate the PCC application on the PenCom portal.
Upon logging into the portal, you will be required to complete your company profile by providing your date of incorporation, contact details, and website (if applicable), as well as uploading your CAC documents.
Next, you will upload an Excel schedule (using the template provided on the website) containing your employee list. After this, you will be required to upload Excel sheets detailing pension contributions. You will also need to upload your organisation’s group life insurance documentation and payment instrument.
Finally, you will review your application and submit it for further processing by PenCom. Before commencing an application, ensure you have the following:
- Certificate of Incorporation (CAC documents)
- Group Life Insurance Policy for employees
- Evidence of Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) registration for employees
- Three years’ proof of monthly pension remittances, including penalties for any defaults (where applicable). For companies less than three years old, provide proof of remittances from the date of incorporation
- A valid Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- An employee schedule showing staff details and contributions (usually in Excel format) Templates are available on the PenCom portal
Also note that for the portal to accept employee details and remittance records, employees must have completed their data capture with their respective Pension Fund Administrator and updated their records to reflect their current employer.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Pension Clearance Certificate in Nigeria may seem technical at first, but once proper processes are established, it becomes routine. The key is consistency in remittance, maintenance of accurate records and prioritisation of compliance in overall operations.
For many Nigerian businesses, the PCC is more than a regulatory requirement; it is a mark of credibility. In a competitive environment, that credibility can make all the difference.
Gbolahan Oluyemi is a Legal Practitioner and currently leads Olives and Candles – Legal Practitioners. For further information, enquiries, or clarification, please contact Gbolahan via: [email protected] or [email protected]
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