Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has offered a compelling comparison between the performance of President Tinubu in his first two years in office and the achievements of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government during the eight-year period from 1999 to 2007
According to Bwala, the progress President Tinubu has made within a relatively short period far surpasses the accomplishments recorded by the PDP over almost a decade.
First, Bwala highlights the issue of Nigeria’s foreign debt. During the PDP’s tenure from 1999 to 2007, the country benefitted significantly from debt forgiveness initiatives.
These efforts relieved Nigeria of a considerable financial burden and were seen as a major milestone for the government at that time. On the other hand, President Tinubu’s administration inherited substantial foreign debts that must be repaid.
Despite this challenge, his government has exhibited financial discipline and a commitment to meeting international obligations, which speaks volumes about his administration’s fiscal responsibility and credibility on the global stage.
Turning to the nation’s oil sector, Bwala observes that under the PDP’s rule, Nigeria experienced what many described as a near-miraculous level of oil production. This period was marked by relatively high outputs that helped fuel the country’s revenue streams.
However, the reality confronting President Tinubu is more complex, as he inherited an oil industry facing structural and operational difficulties. Despite these hurdles, his administration has worked tirelessly to stabilize and improve production levels, navigating both internal challenges and external market pressures.
Internationally, the context in which Nigeria operates today is vastly different from the immediate post-military rule era. Between 1999 and 2007, the world viewed Nigeria with a sense of sympathy and optimism as the country emerged from decades of military dictatorship.
Nigeria was the recipient of significant international goodwill, support, and financial aid. Today, the geopolitical landscape is more demanding and competitive. President Tinubu, therefore, has had to prove Nigeria’s viability and resilience in a more challenging environment — a task he has approached with determination, managing to sustain economic growth and bolster Nigeria’s global standing.
Bwala also touches on the sensitive issue of national security. During the PDP years, Nigerians were relatively united despite ethnic and religious diversity, and the security situation was considered manageable. However, mismanagement of security apparatuses during that period contributed to the emergence and expansion of Boko Haram, a terrorist group that has wreaked havoc in the country.
In contrast, President Tinubu’s administration has taken significant steps to degrade Boko Haram’s operational capabilities and restore a degree of peace to affected regions. Though challenges remain, the progress in combating insecurity under his leadership is notable and offers hope for a more secure future.
Economically, the legacy left by previous governments was one of mismanagement, inefficiency, and corruption, which weakened the economy and discouraged bold policy decisions. Many past leaders appeared reluctant to tackle the deep-rooted problems head-on, often opting for short-term fixes.
President Tinubu, by contrast, has demonstrated a willingness to make tough, sometimes unpopular decisions aimed at stabilizing and reviving the economy. His bold policies have begun to bear fruit, with signs of economic recovery and increased investor confidence.
The list of President Tinubu’s achievements is extensive and growing. Daniel Bwala encapsulates this by stating: “The hallmark of a true leader is in his ability to take courageous decisions at the right time.”
This, he argues, is precisely what President Bola Tinubu has exemplified — a leader who faces challenges directly, makes difficult choices with vision and conviction, and drives Nigeria towards a brighter, more prosperous future.