Ajayi Oluwatosin

Let me explain 11 policies and initiatives, how they affect everyday Nigerians, and why implementation matters. 1. FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL Removing fuel subsidies has increased the revenue available for distribution to federal, state and local governments. How does this benefit you? Your state government potentially has more money to build roads, equip hospitals, improve schools and provide basic infrastructure. However, higher fuel and transportation costs have also placed enormous pressure on households. The benefits depend on how effectively governments use the additional revenue. 2. TAX REFORMS The administration introduced reforms to simplify taxation, protect qualifying small businesses and improve revenue collection. How does this benefit you? A small business owner may qualify for tax exemptions, while eligible low-income earners can receive income-tax relief. A more efficient tax system can also increase government revenue without relying entirely on borrowing. 3. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS These commissions are intended to address infrastructure and development gaps across different regions. How does this benefit you? Communities could benefit from better roads, erosion control, water projects and other essential infrastructure. But these benefits depend on actual project delivery, not merely establishing commissions. 4. STATE POLICING REFORM The proposed reform seeks to allow states to establish their own police services within a constitutional framework. How could this benefit you? A farmer facing insecurity, or a community experiencing repeated attacks, could benefit from police services that understand local security challenges. However, state policing is not yet an operational nationwide reform, and safeguards against political abuse remain essential. 5. SECURITY VOTES State governors already control discretionary funds intended for security-related expenditure. How does this benefit you? These funds can support security operations, emergency responses and crime prevention. But security votes are not a new presidential reform. The real issue is ensuring transparency and measurable results from existing public expenditure. 6. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY The Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling strengthened the legal framework for direct federal allocations to democratically elected local government councils. How does this benefit you? Your local government should have greater financial independence to maintain local roads, markets, sanitation facilities and other grassroots services. However, financial autonomy must be implemented and accompanied by accountability. 7. ELECTRICITY ACT 2023 The Electricity Act, signed before Tinubu assumed office, created opportunities for states to develop and regulate electricity markets. Tinubu’s administration subsequently amended the law and continued its implementation. How does this benefit you? States can encourage electricity investments that could improve power supply to homes, markets, hospitals and businesses. For a barber, tailor or small manufacturer, more reliable electricity could reduce generator expenses and improve productivity. 8. NELFUND — STUDENT LOANS The Nigerian Education Loan Fund provides interest-free loans for eligible students in public tertiary institutions. How does this benefit you? A student whose parents cannot immediately afford institutional fees may be able to continue studying rather than abandon their education. Eligible students can also receive upkeep support. This is already delivering direct financial assistance to beneficiaries. 9. CREDICORP The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation aims to expand access to affordable, responsible consumer financing. How does this benefit you? Instead of saving for years to purchase essential equipment, eligible working Nigerians may access credit and repay gradually. This could help workers acquire productive assets and improve their standard of living.

I will keep sharing until we have a well educated populace.