In the face of mounting challenges in northern part of Nigeria in particular, many entered 2025 with high hopes and anticipation for positive changes under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. It’s no news that the country is grappling with a multitude of issues ranging from economic instability, rising insecurity and poor healthcare, heated debates over tax reform bills (dead on arrival in the North), among others that plagued Nigerians throughout 2024.
Nigeria’s economy in 2024 faced a confluence of crises: soaring inflation peaking at 32.7% in September, a depreciating naira, and widespread unemployment. These economic pressures disproportionately impacted ordinary citizens, particularly in the North, where challenges like insecurity, a failing education system, poverty, hunger, and high unemployment rates exacerbated the situation.
While welcoming 2025 with all its promises, a cross-section of Northerners interviewed by the Africa Health Report correspondent in Kano, Hussaini Ibrahim Kafi, are looking to President Tinubu for urgent and decisive reforms to stabilize the economy, curb inflation, and foster sustainable long-term growth.
Hear their demands:
NABILA ABUBAKAR, a small business owner in Kano, expressed her concerns: “The economy has been difficult for us. Prices of goods are skyrocketing, and I can barely make a profit anymore. We need policies that will reduce inflation, create jobs, and make life affordable again. I hope that President Tinubu can stabilize the naira and create a more business-friendly environment.”
Similarly, AHMAD IBRAHIM SULAIMAN, an unemployed graduate from Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil (ADUST), emphasized the need for job creation. “The number of graduates without jobs is overwhelming. I’ve been searching for work for over two years now. I expect President Tinubu to address unemployment through massive job creation initiatives, especially in the tech, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. Young people like me need opportunities.”
The focus on diversification, moving away from an oil-dependent economy, resonates deeply with Nigerians. Many are hoping that President Tinubu will accelerate investments in agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure. However, the call for action is clear—Nigerians want visible results and a steady pathway toward economic recovery.
Security has been one of Nigeria’s most pressing issues, with armed banditry, terrorism, and communal violence on the rise in several regions, particularly in the northern and south-eastern parts of the country. President Tinubu’s government faces an urgent need to address these security challenges and restore public confidence.
HAMZA AHMAD, an indigenous of Maiduguri, shared his frustrations: “Every day, we hear about new attacks. The Boko Haram insurgency, bandits kidnapping people for ransom—it’s becoming unbearable. We can’t continue like this. President Tinubu needs to show stronger leadership in securing the nation’s borders and empowering the security forces to take decisive action.”
Healthcare: Urgent Reforms for Better Access and Quality
HABUBU ABBA, a resident of Yargaya, a town in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State, appealed the President to intervene in the poor deplorable health situation in the rural communities.
He said: “It’s really heart-breaking, honestly. The conditions in our rural healthcare facilities are unbearable. Many of the hospitals and clinics are underfunded, understaffed, and the equipment they have is either outdated or broken.”
“People are dying because they can’t get the treatment they need, and it’s like no one is paying attention to us. Most of the time, you have to spend huge money to find a special treatment from doctors or any proper medical help even at public hospitals. Even basic things like vaccines or antibiotics are hard to come by.”
For many Nigerians, the hope is that President Tinubu’s administration will deliver on the promise of universal healthcare. RAKIYA ABUBAKAR, a woman from Jigawa State, expressed the sentiment of many: “I had to sell part of my savings to pay for my daughter’s medical treatment last year. This is not right. We need affordable healthcare that doesn’t bankrupt families. I expect the government to provide better healthcare facilities, especially for the poor.”
Education: The Path to Empowering Future Generations
The state of education in Nigeria remains a major concern. Poor infrastructure, outdated curricula, and the inability to address the skills gap have left many Nigerians disillusioned. In 2025, Nigerians are hopeful that President Tinubu will take significant steps to reform the education sector, ensuring it equips future generations with the skills required to thrive.
BADAMASI ALIYU HUDU, student at Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano, spoke of his hopes for education reforms: “The education system is in a state of disarray. Schools are overcrowded, and many of us are being taught outdated materials. We need a government that will focus on modernizing education, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). President Tinubu must prioritize education reforms.”
In the rural areas, the lack of schools and access to quality education remains a significant issue. Aisha Sulaiman, a community leader from Jigawa, highlighted the disparity: “Children in the villages are not getting the education they need. We need better investment in schools and teachers. We need to ensure that every child, regardless of their location, has access to quality education.”
Good Governance: Transparency and Accountability
As Nigerians look to 2025, the call for good governance is louder than ever. In 2024, widespread corruption and poor governance continued to plague the country, and many Nigerians are demanding transparency and accountability from the Tinubu administration. The fight against corruption remains central to the hopes of many citizens.
MUSTAPHA BUHARI, a political analyst in Kano, noted: “Nigerians are tired of corrupt politicians who steal public funds. We want a president who will ensure that public money is used for the people’s benefit. President Tinubu must focus on reducing corruption, improving transparency in government contracts, and ensuring that government institutions work for the people.”
There is also a call for political inclusivity, with many Nigerians hoping that the President will bridge the divides created by previous administrations. “We need a government that listens to the people, that brings together all regions and ethnic groups to work towards the common good of the nation,” added Sadiq Aliyu, a civil servant from Bauchi.
Conclusion: A Nation’s Hope Amidst Challenges
In 2025, Nigerians face a mixture of uncertainty and hope. President Bola Tinubu’s leadership will be tested by the country’s myriad challenges, but the expectations from the northern populace are clear. From economic recovery to restoring security, improving healthcare, and reforming education, Nigerians are hoping that the President will rise to the occasion and deliver on his promises.
As ZAINAB LAWAL, a teacher from Kaduna, put it succinctly: “We have endured too much hardship, and now we are looking to President Tinubu to make Nigeria a better place for us all. We want to see real changes, not just promises.”
Whether these expectations are met will depend on the government’s ability to act swiftly and decisively. The people of northern Nigeria are watching closely, hopeful that 2025 will be the year the country begins to turn its many challenges into opportunities for a better future.
