Nigerians are increasingly losing faith in governance as hardship, hunger, and hopelessness define the daily experience of millions across the country. Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a vast number of citizens face worsening economic and social realities, leading to growing anger, despair, and disenchantment with the state of the nation.

A recent nationwide study conducted by the Africa Polling Institute (API) reveals the extent of public dissatisfaction. The 2025 Citizens Perception Survey, carried out between January and February, offers troubling insights into the declining social fabric and plummeting public trust in institutions. According to the report, Nigeria’s social cohesion index currently stands at 46.8 per cent, below the 50 per cent benchmark that signifies a healthy societal balance.

Deep Distrust in Government Institutions

The report exposes a deeply rooted public distrust in Nigeria’s leadership and governing structures. A staggering 83 per cent of Nigerians stated that they have little or no trust in the Tinubu-led administration. This widespread skepticism extends to other arms of government as well:

• 82 per cent of respondents expressed similar distrust toward the National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abass.

• 79 per cent reported a lack of confidence in the judiciary, both under former Chief Justice Kayode Ariwoola and the current Chief Justice, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

These figures represent the lowest levels of trust recorded in the polling institute’s surveys, which have tracked citizens’ sentiments since 2019. Compared to previous years—2019, 2021, and 2022—the 2025 data reflects a significant erosion of confidence in governance.

Economic Shocks and Rising Hardship

Much of the public discontent stems from the government’s economic decisions, particularly the abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy on President Tinubu’s first day in office. The move, made without any concrete mitigation plan, triggered a chain reaction of inflation, skyrocketing prices, and severe cost-of-living pressures.

As a result:

• Millions of Nigerians now struggle to afford basic healthcare, food, and transportation.

• Fuel prices have surged, leading many to abandon their vehicles or resort to trekking long distances.

• Essential services like electricity and clean water remain out of reach for many communities.

• The unemployment rate continues to rise as multinational companies—including Procter & Gamble, Diageo, Holcim, and PZ Cussons—exit the Nigerian market, citing an increasingly hostile business environment. Small and medium-sized enterprises are also collapsing in alarming numbers.

The impact is evident in the health and well-being of the population. Experts estimate that 40 per cent of Nigerian children under five are affected by stunted growth, while 27 per cent are underweight. According to UNICEF, Nigeria carries the highest burden of malnutrition in Africa.

Nigeria Now a Global Hunger Hotspot

The United Nations currently lists Nigeria among 13 countries classified as global hunger hotspots, where food insecurity has reached dangerous levels. A 2024 report by the World Bank revealed that the number of Nigerians experiencing acute food shortages increased by 28 per cent in 2023 alone.

The hunger crisis reached tragic heights last year when citizens were trampled to death in some regions while scrambling for government-distributed food palliatives. These disturbing incidents underscore the growing desperation among citizens who see little support or empathy from the government.

Spiraling Insecurity and Public Safety Crisis

Alongside economic woes, insecurity continues to cast a long shadow over daily life in Nigeria. Armed kidnappers, insurgents, and bandits operate with impunity across several regions. Thousands of citizens have been killed, and millions displaced, with no credible security safety net to protect vulnerable populations.

Despite the worsening crisis, the government appears detached from the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. Public frustration is compounded by the lack of transparency regarding the use of savings from the withdrawn fuel subsidy, leaving citizens questioning where the funds have gone.

Extravagant Spending Amid Austerity

While the masses grapple with poverty and deprivation, government officials continue to indulge in extravagance. In 2024:

• A new $150 million aircraft was added to the Presidential Air Fleet.

• The government completed a ₦21 billion residence for the Vice President.

• The leadership of the National Assembly reportedly cruises in a convoy of luxury vehicles estimated to cost ₦7 billion.

Such opulence, in stark contrast to the economic realities of the average Nigerian, fuels resentment and strengthens the perception that public officials are disconnected from the people they serve.

Weak Oversight and Judicial Compromise

The legislative branch, which should act as a check on executive power, is widely viewed as a rubber-stamp institution. Meanwhile, the judiciary continues to suffer from a credibility crisis, marked by controversial rulings, forum shopping, and inconsistent judgments that cast doubt on its independence and fairness.

Many citizens now believe that the courts no longer deliver justice, contributing to a sense of lawlessness and helplessness.

The Road Ahead: Urgent Reforms Needed

To restore public trust and reestablish a sense of national cohesion, the Tinubu administration must take immediate, concrete steps. These should include:

1. Developing strategic plans to combat insecurity, especially in conflict-prone regions like the North-West and Middle Belt.

2. Investing heavily in agriculture and local food production to address hunger and reduce import dependence.

3. Creating social protection programs for the poor and vulnerable, ensuring that economic reforms do not disproportionately harm the most disadvantaged.

4. Improving transparency and accountability around the use of public funds, including detailed disclosures on fuel subsidy savings.

5. Implementing judicial reforms to restore the integrity of the courts and uphold the rule of law.

6. Reining in wasteful government spending, with a clear commitment to fiscal discipline and ethical leadership.

Civil Society and Media Must Stay Vigilant

While institutional reform is critical, civil society organisations and the media have an essential role to play in driving change. These actors must continue educating the public on governance issues and empowering citizens to hold leaders accountable through activism, legal action, and civic engagement.

A Call for Renewed Hope

For President Tinubu, whose campaign was anchored on a “Renewed Hope” agenda, the time to act is now. The gap between the promises made and the lived reality of Nigerians is growing dangerously wide. If genuine progress is to be made, the government must realign its policies to reflect people-centered governance, where every Nigerian feels seen, heard, and protected.

Only then can the country begin to climb out of its current abyss and start rebuilding the trust that forms the cornerstone of any thriving democracy.