Tinubu Urged to Prioritize Restructuring Before It’s Too Late – Bolanle Bolawole

Veteran columnist Bolanle Bolawole has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently restructure Nigeria, warning that failing to address the nation’s foundational issues could render his administration’s achievements unsustainable.

In his latest opinion piece titled Tell Tinubu Before It Is Too Late, Bolawole argued that despite Tinubu’s commendable strides in economic reforms, the current system remains a ticking time bomb.

Drawing parallels with past administrations, he noted that it took former President Muhammadu Buhari just eight years to erode the progress made under his predecessors.

“No matter how well Tinubu revamps the economy, if he fails to address the structural flaws of this country, his achievements will amount to little,” Bolawole stated, stressing that foundational reforms are critical for long-term stability.

He commended the revival of the Port Harcourt refinery but noted the skepticism surrounding its operations, urging the government to ensure transparency and accountability in the petroleum sector.

“If this turns out to be another hoax, like the Nigeria Air scandal, heads must roll, and there must be consequences for bad behavior,” he added.

Bolawole also criticized the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for policies that, in his view, stifle small businesses and fuel economic hardship.

He pointed out that exorbitant interest rates and systemic corruption are crippling legitimate enterprises while encouraging illicit activities.

While acknowledging Tinubu’s efforts to rebuild the economy, Bolawole urged him to focus on structural reforms and avoid the pitfalls of procrastination that cost former leaders like Goodluck Jonathan their political capital.

“Don’t wait to win a second term before doing the needful. Time is not on your side,” he cautioned.

Bolawole concluded with a biblical reference, suggesting that Tinubu may have been chosen to lead Nigeria at a critical juncture.

“Perhaps you are president for a time such as this. Don’t waste the opportunity,” he advised.