Communication Conundrum, a Major Hurdle In Tinubu's Administration

By Inyali Peter 

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is facing a significant challenge in effectively communicating its efforts and policies to Nigerians. Despite various initiatives aimed at cushioning the effects of widespread hardship, many citizens remain unaware of these measures. This communication gap has allowed the opposition to dominate the narrative, creating the impression that the President is not doing anything or cares about anything.

One of the primary issues is the failure to effectively utilize the digital media space. The Buhari Media Centre, established during the previous administration, was closed to volunteer social media teams, limiting its reach and impact. Unfortunately, the Tinubu Media Centre has followed a similar path, restricting access to people from some parts of the country who could help amplify the administration's message.

Consequently, many Nigerians are unaware of the President's initiatives, such as the salary and pension increments, new national minimum wage, disbursement of funds to vulnerable citizens, and support for youths and businesses. These efforts, aimed at alleviating hardship, remain unknown to many, fueling frustration and hopelessness. For instance, the President's approval of a 25-35% increase in salary for federal government workers in the remaining six salary structures, announced during the last May Day celebration, has not received adequate attention. The first set of workers which include staff of tertiary institutions started benefiting since last year.

Also, the administration's efforts to address food insecurity, such as the distribution of foodstuffs to states and the opening of borders for duty-free importation of food and essential items, selling of food items at subsidised rates to crash them the price of food in open markets have not been effectively communicated. 

The NG-CARES programme, which the federal government has disbursed over 400 billion to state governors to invest in citizens livelihoods, also remains underreported. The National Youths Investment Fund, which aims to support young entrepreneurs with 110 billion, has not received the attention it deserves.

Additionally, initiatives like the grant to businesses, students' loan initiatives to relieve parents of school fees, local government autonomy for grassroots development, and increased allocation to states have not been adequately highlighted. These initiatives have the potential to positively impact millions of Nigerians, but their impact is diminished by the lack of effective communication.

The failure to effectively communicate these efforts has created a void, allowing hopelessness to spread. Although some of these policies may no create very immediate impacts, but it's believe that if Nigerians appreciate them, they'll be more patient with government knowing that there's hope that things will get better soon. Leadership is about giving hope to the people. Without proper information on government's efforts to raise hope within the citizenry, frustration, anger and hopelessness will become the order of the day as it is today.

While we continue to appeal to Nigerians to be more patient with government, the administration should consider it a necessity to revamp its communication strategy to ensure that Nigerians are informed about the various initiatives underway.

Moreover, the administration must also acknowledge that communication is a two-way street. It must listen to feedback from citizens, address their concerns, and be willing to adjust some of its policies accordingly. This is how the government can build trust and restore hope in its leadership. 

Note: This article was written and published on the 30th of July, 2024, almost six weeks before Ajuri Ngelale left his job as the President's Chief Communication Officer.