Barau Faults Osinbajo’s Gloomy Assessment of Nigeria’s Economy, Democracy

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has criticised former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo’s assessment of Nigeria’s economy and democratic governance, arguing that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is taking steps to address the country’s longstanding challenges.

Barau, who represents Kano North Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC), acknowledged concerns raised by Osinbajo but maintained that inadequate communication between governments and citizens had contributed to the negative perception of the country’s economic and democratic conditions.

Osinbajo had expressed concern about the state of democratic governance across Africa during a public lecture titled “Democracy and Development: Rethinking the Leadership Question.” The lecture was delivered in Yola, Adamawa State, as part of activities marking the 59th birthday of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

Citing findings from Afrobarometer surveys, the former vice-president highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with democratic institutions, economic hardship, declining public confidence in government and falling youth participation in electoral politics. According to the figures he referenced, 64 per cent of Africans preferred democracy to other forms of government, but only 38 per cent were satisfied with how democracy was working in their countries.

Osinbajo also cited survey findings indicating that 59 per cent of Africans considered their national economies to be in bad shape, while 51 per cent believed their economies had deteriorated. He warned that rising living costs, unemployment, inadequate healthcare and declining voter turnout could weaken public confidence in democracy, particularly among young people.

Responding to the presentation, Barau described Osinbajo’s lecture as intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking but disagreed with the overall picture it presented. He argued that the findings also highlighted a communication gap between political leaders and the public.

“I know he is a very good orator, a good public speaker and an intellectual to the core. Having said that, I am compelled to make some comments on the paper. It is a very beautiful and thought-provoking paper,” Barau said.

He added that communication between leaders and citizens was a major factor behind the gloomy perceptions reflected in the surveys.

“What I want to say is this: one important reason for the gloomy picture portrayed by the surveys, particularly those conducted by Afrobarometer, is what the professor talked about and specifically observed: the issue of communication between the leaders and the led. There is no proper communication,” he said.

Barau Highlights Education and Infrastructure Projects

The deputy senate president maintained that federal and state governments were working to address challenges in education, infrastructure and economic development.

On education, he said expanding access to learning was essential given Nigeria’s growing population and large youth demographic. He particularly emphasised the need to provide educational opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Barau cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), introduced under the Tinubu administration, as an intervention intended to help students access higher education despite financial difficulties.

“Before now, it was very difficult for a child who did not have the means to go to school. Now, everyone, except a child who does not want to go to school, can go to school in Nigeria with the NELFUND introduced by this administration,” he said.

He also pointed to major road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry-Sokoto Highway, alongside infrastructure developments in the North-East and North-West, as evidence of efforts to address the country’s infrastructure deficit.

According to Barau, improved roads, water supply and other essential infrastructure are necessary to support economic activity and long-term prosperity. However, he acknowledged that the projects would take time to deliver their intended benefits and reiterated the need for better communication about government policies and interventions.

Global Conflicts and Rising Cost of Living

Addressing the economic pressures facing Nigerians, Barau argued that rising prices should also be considered within the context of international developments affecting energy markets and global supply chains.

He cited the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East as factors contributing to higher energy prices, increased production costs and more expensive goods and services worldwide.

Barau also referred to disruptions and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for international oil shipments, as part of the factors contributing to volatility in global energy markets.

“The fact is that these challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria; they have an international dimension. The rising cost of living is partly attributable to conflicts in different parts of the world, including the Middle East, as well as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine,” he said.

He added that the conflicts had disrupted supply chains and driven up the cost of energy and other goods, placing additional pressure on economies around the world.

Barau’s remarks underscore the Tinubu administration’s position that ongoing policies and infrastructure investments are intended to address Nigeria’s economic difficulties. Osinbajo, however, has highlighted public dissatisfaction with economic conditions and democratic performance, drawing attention to the need for governments to rebuild trust and improve the delivery of public services.