Susan Abayomi
Questions about public confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have intensified amid concerns over the cost of living, economic reforms, insecurity and the pace at which improvements are reaching ordinary Nigerians.
The debate centres on whether the government’s economic policies are delivering sufficient benefits to citizens and how Nigerians assess the administration’s performance since taking office in May 2023.
Public approval ratings provide one measure of citizens’ perceptions of leadership, although the findings of individual surveys must be considered alongside their methodology, timing and the wider economic and political environment.
A survey conducted by Eagle Badger Data Analytics and reported in May 2026 put Tinubu’s approval rating at 30.2 per cent, while 47.5 per cent of respondents expressed disapproval of his performance. The findings suggested considerable dissatisfaction with the administration, particularly against the backdrop of continuing economic pressures.
The figures, however, represent the findings of a particular survey and should not be interpreted as a definitive assessment of the views of every Nigerian.
The cost of living remains a major factor in how citizens evaluate the government. Food prices, transportation costs, housing expenses and the purchasing power of household incomes influence public perceptions of economic performance.
Since assuming office, Tinubu has implemented major economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system. The administration has defended these measures as necessary steps towards addressing structural weaknesses, improving fiscal sustainability and creating conditions for long-term economic growth.
However, the reforms have also contributed to significant adjustments in the daily lives of Nigerians, with many households and businesses facing increased expenses.
Although improvements in key economic indicators may suggest progress, their significance to ordinary citizens ultimately depends on whether they translate into better living conditions, stronger purchasing power and increased economic opportunities.
The debate over Tinubu’s approval ratings highlights the challenge of balancing long-term economic objectives with the immediate needs of citizens.
Economic growth, improved government revenue and increased investor confidence can be important indicators of progress. Nevertheless, they do not automatically guarantee that households will experience corresponding improvements in their standard of living.
For many Nigerians, the effectiveness of government policies is measured by their ability to afford essential goods, maintain their businesses, secure employment and meet their families’ needs.
This makes the implementation of economic policies and the delivery of tangible benefits critical to the administration’s efforts to strengthen public confidence.
Security also remains an important consideration in assessing government performance, as citizens expect effective measures to protect lives, property and livelihoods across the country.
Approval ratings are useful indicators of public sentiment, but they do not independently determine electoral outcomes or establish the overall success or failure of an administration.
Public opinion can change as economic conditions evolve, government policies take effect and citizens assess the results of official commitments.
For the Tinubu administration, the challenge is to demonstrate that its reforms can produce measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians while addressing persistent concerns over living costs, employment and security.
Clear communication, effective implementation and accountability will remain important in building public trust.
Ultimately, the debate over Tinubu’s approval ratings goes beyond political popularity. It raises a broader question about the relationship between government policy and citizens’ everyday experiences.
Whether public confidence improves will depend significantly on the extent to which Nigerians begin to experience meaningful and sustained improvements in their economic circumstances and overall quality of life.
