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Tinubu Inherited a Big Mess from Someone He Helped Into Power – Dr. Sobowale

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on May 31st, 2025.

Tinubu Inherited a Big Mess from Someone He Helped Into Power – Dr. Sobowale

Dr. Sobowale highlighted several key challenges facing the Tinubu administration, most notably the nation’s soaring debt. Within months of Tinubu’s inauguration, Nigeria’s public debt reportedly surged to over ₦87 trillion—a significant portion of which was incurred during the Buhari years. Sobowale criticized the previous government for excessive borrowing without a sustainable repayment plan, warning that the consequences are now being felt across all sectors of the economy.

“Much of the debt wasn’t even tied to revenue-generating projects,” he explained. “We are now servicing loans with limited returns, while inflation and unemployment continue to climb.”

Neglected Infrastructure and Oil Losses

Another major issue Tinubu is grappling with is the backlog of infrastructure projects. According to reports, the current administration inherited over 2,600 federal road projects, many of which have been stalled for years due to poor planning and funding. The total value of these projects is estimated at over ₦14 trillion.

Sobowale also pointed to the country’s dismal performance in the oil sector, Nigeria’s primary source of foreign exchange. The nation has repeatedly failed to meet OPEC production quotas, resulting in an estimated ₦8.7 trillion in lost revenue in just 18 months. He described this as a “self-inflicted wound” caused by mismanagement and weak accountability in the petroleum sector.

A Nation at a

Crossroads