On infrastructure, we need to realign federal priorities to reflect economic impact not political reward. Instead of sharing infrastructure contracts as political patronage, project funding should be performance-driven and independently audited. Let us reward the Morocco-like discipline that turns modest GDPs into tangible development, not the inertia that turns oil wealth into unlit streets.

Still, Nigeria must not surrender to cynicism. This halfway mark should serve as a mirror, not a monument. We must see clearly what has worked, what has failed, and what must change. Beyond slogans and rhetoric, the government must embrace transparency in infrastructure spending, clarity in fuel subsidy savings, and accountability in its social investment programmes.

Above all, there must be an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Nigerians are not looking for handouts. We are not a socialist or communist state. Ours is a nation of hustlers, builders, and innovators. What Nigerians need is not to be reduced to beggars of Naira and Kobo in their own country. They need power supply, access to credit, ease of doing business, and security in their communities.

Yes, targeted social nets are important to cushion the effect of the harsh economy. But a resilient society is one where citizens can fend for themselves through legitimate means. Government must make that possible. That is the ultimate reform.

Insecurity, meanwhile, has surged with devastating human costs. According to SBM Intelligence, the first quarter of 2025 alone saw at least 2,000 deaths reported in the media: 892 civilians, 462 bandits, 42 kidnappers, 66 cultists, 234 Boko Haram insurgents, 110 soldiers, 24 policemen, one media professional, one correctional facility staff, three members of the Lakurawa terrorist group, one immigration officer, 119 vigilantes, 37 IPOB members, eight armed robbers, and one NDLEA officer. 

This grim toll reflects a country still bleeding from violence, where security forces are stretched thin and communities live under constant threat. The administration’s promises to restore peace ring hollow amid these staggering losses. If a leader cannot guarantee the safety of his people, the legitimacy of his rule is deeply undermined.

The political climate offers no solace. Nigeria’s democratic space is shrinking, and the signals are alarming. The recent Edo State governorship election were marred by irregularities so severe that they cast doubt on the credibility of the entire process. International observer groups, including Athena, documented instances of massive over voting and electoral malpractice. Rather than showing signs of electoral reform, Nigeria appears to be regressing.

This is not just about individual character flaws, it is about what we normalise in our political culture. When corruption is recorded on camera and met with impunity, and when rigged elections are brushed aside by party leaders, Nigeria ceases to be a democracy in practice. It becomes a theatre of echoes, resounding noise, squandered wealth, and empty promises.

Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Democracy thrives on opposition, debate, and accountability. As I argued in my previous article, “The Death of Opposition,” allowing political monopolies to take root invites complacency and decay. The ruling party must not be the only voice, nor should dissent be stifled. The future of Nigeria depends on vibrant, competitive politics that respect the will of the people.

The President Tinubu administration must turn words into action and promises into progress. Infrastructure must be built not just with concrete but with credibility. Every project weighed in the open court of accountability. And to secure the nation, funding alone will not suffice; security must be reimagined through sharper intelligence, swift justice, and a deep alliance with the communities that bear the brunt of violence. Peace must be pursued not only with weapons, but with wisdom.

Genuine electoral reforms that guarantee free, fair, and credible elections must be promoted. Corruption must be combated decisively, holding officials accountable regardless of status. Creating a business-friendly environment that unleashes Nigerian enterprise is essential, as is expanding social safety nets strategically while fostering self-reliance among citizens.

President Tinubu once told the nation that he “asked to be president” and that Nigerians should not pity him but allow him to fix the country. This is the moment to prove that claim. The people are watching, waiting, and hopeful. The thunder that carried him to power must translate into a steady, determined dance in the storm of Nigeria’s challenges.

As May 29 marked two years in office, this moment should serve not just as a reckoning for the administration, but as a rallying cry for all Nigerians who yearn for true change. The thunder that announced Tinubu’s arrival must now spark tangible progress. 

It is no longer enough to create noise and motion; what the nation demands is a steady, purposeful march forward. If President Tinubu truly “asked for the job,” the time has come to prove he can harness that thunder and transform it into the light of real, lasting reform. Nigeria is watching. The storm is here. It is time to dance.

Concluded.

Charles is a political scientist, political commentator and a political strategist. He can be reached via: tweets @dollypizo.