Jigawa residents question Tinubu’s Independence Day economic message

Residents of Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, have expressed mostly critical reactions to President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast, saying its message of economic progress did not reflect conditions in their homes. The reactions followed the president’s declaration that Nigeria had passed through its own “Red Sea”. Residents interviewed by PUNCH said they wanted concrete improvements in food prices, employment, security and household incomes rather than assurances alone.

At Dutse Modern Market, trader Sani Garba said the price of a mudu of rice had risen from N2,900 to more than N3,000, depending on location. He questioned where the prosperity mentioned in the broadcast could be found in everyday life. Aisha Usman, an Economics student at the Federal University Dutse, said the president’s reference to economic growth did not correspond with the experience of graduates without jobs.

She said growth figures needed to be reflected in people’s pockets through lower food and fuel prices, employment and better security. Other residents raised similar concerns. Food vendor Florence Amadi said the costs of pepper, oil and firewood had increased sharply, while a civil servant who requested anonymity said the N70,000 minimum wage had limited purchasing power despite salaries being paid on time.

Human rights activist Bala Hadejia also challenged the president’s statements about foreign reserves and exchange-rate stability, pointing to the continuing pressure on the naira and rising prices. Several interviewees said insecurity still prevented farmers in some northern communities from working safely. Some residents welcomed elements of the address.

Computer Science student Zainab Lawal said the president’s goal of supporting young Nigerians to build technology companies gave her hope, while Ibrahim Musa, a student at Jigawa State Polytechnic, praised the idea of student support through NELFUND but said applicants were still waiting for assistance. Other proposals viewed positively included digital connectivity, consumer credit for solar equipment and vehicles, social support for poor households, mechanised farming and irrigation. The responses nevertheless showed a gap between the government’s description of reforms and how many Dutse residents said they experienced the economy.