Callers on Nigeria Info 99.3 FM’s Morning Crossfire programme have expressed a generally positive assessment of living conditions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying their lives have improved since he assumed office.
Gatekeepers News reports that the views were shared on Wednesday during the programme hosted by Koffi Bartels, as callers from different parts of the country discussed how recent government policies have affected their daily lives.
While experiences varied, a majority of contributors said they had noticed improvements compared to previous years, particularly in economic activity and overall confidence. Several callers pointed to signs of increased stability in the economy, noting that businesses now operate with greater predictability.
Some traders said access to foreign exchange had improved, making it easier to plan imports and pricing, while others cited increased movement of goods and people as signs of gradual recovery.
“I can feel a difference in how things are moving; I made more money as a transporter under this Tinubu administration than I have ever made before,” one caller said.
He, however, noted that prices remain high, although the uncertainty that once characterised the market has reduced. Other callers said the naira’s performance, while still a concern, no longer fluctuates as sharply as before, helping small businesses manage costs more effectively.
Nigeria’s economy has recorded growth in recent quarters, driven by the services and agricultural sectors, as well as improved oil output. Government figures also indicate increased revenue inflows and a rise in external reserves, developments officials say are aimed at stabilising the economy and laying the foundation for long-term growth.
Despite these developments, many callers stressed that the gains are not yet evenly felt across the population.
Rising food prices featured prominently in the discussion, with households saying a significant portion of their income is still spent on basic necessities. Some participants noted that while economic activity has increased, wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living.
Unemployment and underemployment were also raised as major concerns, particularly by younger callers, who said job opportunities remain limited, forcing many to rely on informal work or family support. Others called for stronger support for small and medium-sized enterprises, which they described as critical to everyday survival for many Nigerians.
Security was another recurring theme. Some callers reported improved safety in their communities, allowing farming and trading activities to resume, while others said insecurity continues to disrupt livelihoods in rural areas, affecting food production and driving up prices in urban centres.
Throughout the programme, callers emphasised that their comments were not meant to downplay existing hardship but to acknowledge gradual progress while calling for faster and more inclusive results.
Many said the government’s economic reforms, including subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments, had caused short-term pain but could yield long-term benefits if properly managed and supported by effective social interventions.
Participants urged the government to do more to cushion vulnerable groups, improve transport and power supply, and invest in education and healthcare. They also called for clearer communication on policies to help citizens better understand what to expect.
“Things are better than before for some of us, but the government can still do more. People want to feel it in their homes, not just hear it in the news,” one caller said.
