Nigeria's Tinubu Administration Implements Economic Reforms, Boosting State Finances and Infrastructure
Since May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration in Nigeria has undertaken significant economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidies and adjustments to foreign exchange arrangements. These reforms, while initially imposing costs on households and businesses, have led to a substantial increase in the financial capacity of state governments. According to the Federal Government's 2026 reform scorecard, the number of states unable to pay salaries has dropped from 27 in 2023 to zero in 2026. This improved fiscal space has enabled states to invest more in infrastructure, strengthen public institutions, and stimulate economic activity. The Federal Government has also provided substantial funding, disbursing approximately ₦2.45 trillion to states and the Federal Capital Territory between March 2024 and August 2025 for infrastructure and security interventions. Key projects include road rehabilitation, airport development, and the establishment of industrial parks, aimed at opening up comm...