Former Senator and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has issued a stark warning to the Federal Government, stating that its ongoing economic reforms are destined to fail unless urgent relief is provided to suffering Nigerians.
Reforms Without Cushioning Are Unsustainable
Sani delivered this caution on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, while featuring as a guest on Frontline, a current affairs programme broadcast on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese, Ijebu. The programme was monitored by The Guardian.
The activist argued that while necessary, policies like the removal of the fuel subsidy were rolled out without adequate measures to soften the immediate blow on citizens. He stated this has left millions grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis, compounded by insecurity and unemployment.
"You don't remove subsidy first and start looking for palliatives later. You cushion the people before you introduce the shock," Sani emphasized, faulting the government's approach.
Questioning Increased State Allocations
Shehu Sani acknowledged that states are now receiving significantly higher allocations from the federation account, with some budgets soaring from hundreds of billions to over one trillion naira. However, he sharply questioned the transparency and impact of this increased funding.
"States are getting more money today than ever before, yet the people are not feeling it. That is the real problem," he declared.
He linked the lack of visible benefits to a potential for social unrest, warning, "When people are told to make sacrifices and those in power continue to live ostentatious lives, nobody will take reform seriously... When most people are poor, they have nothing to lose. That is how protests start and societies become unstable."
A Bitter Pill That Needs Compassion
Assessing the broader governance landscape, Sani noted that the current administration took office with high hopes but underestimated the depth of Nigeria's challenges. He pointed out that campaigning is fundamentally different from the hard task of governing.
He described reforms as "bitter pills" that any government must administer, but stressed that timing and compassion are critical for public acceptance. "No president will ever be popular while implementing painful reforms. But people will only endure if they see hope and fairness," he added.
On the critical issue of insecurity, Sani described it as a protracted national crisis that has persisted across multiple administrations from Yar'Adua to Jonathan, Buhari, and now Tinubu. While acknowledging some improvements in certain areas, he insisted that killings by bandits and terrorists remain a grim reality.
He urged the government to produce tangible results swiftly, asserting that within this year, Nigerians, especially in rural areas, need to see that the painful reforms will also translate into greater security and dignity for all.
