Tinubu's First Year Has Laid the Groundwork for Progress-Agbakoba

Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, has lauded President Bola Tinubu's initial year in office, citing significant progress and notable achievements across various sectors.

While acknowledging the administration's establishment of sound policy frameworks, Agbakoba highlighted the persistent challenge of implementation.

Agbakoba's assessment, delivered during a press conference at his office in Apapa, Lagos, emphasized the positive strides made by President Tinubu in fulfilling commitments outlined in his "Renewed Hope" campaign manifesto.

Key accomplishments included the removal of fuel subsidies, adoption of a floating exchange rate to streamline FX markets, and the initiation of a committee for State Police formation.

Additionally, investments in military equipment, food security measures, and the enactment of a new Electricity Act allowing state and private sector participation in the power industry were noted.

The administration's achievements extended to infrastructure development, securing funding for major projects in seaports, railways, and power plants.

President Tinubu's efforts positioned Nigeria as a stabilizing force in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), attracting significant foreign direct investment inflows exceeding $15 billion. The rehabilitation of refineries and support for new private refineries were also highlighted.

Agbakoba stressed the importance of focusing on critical areas such as security, power, and industrial advancement to fully realize the administration's transformative vision.

Urging a heightened pace of implementation akin to former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's swift actions during his first 100 days, Agbakoba emphasized the need for President Tinubu to lead decisively and drive agenda execution with unwavering commitment.

Furthermore, Agbakoba underscored the necessity for President Tinubu to prioritize establishing a foundation of national order, unity, and peace, engaging diverse stakeholders to address fundamental questions around Nigeria's political identity.

He advocated for an Economic Recovery Plan drawing from the OAL's 2024 policy report, emphasizing the potential for substantial economic growth and job creation through targeted reforms across various sectors.