As of 2024, Bola Tinubu's administration is still in its early stages, having begun in May 2023.
There have already been concerns and controversies regarding corruption, although a full
assessment of corruption during his presidency would require more time to evaluate how these
issues evolve. However, based on the available information and early signs, here are some
areas where concerns about corruption have been raised:
### 1. **Allegations of Appointments Based on Cronyism**
- One of the criticisms of Tinubu's administration is the appointment of individuals into key
positions based on loyalty or personal relationships, rather than merit. This has raised concerns
about potential corruption or conflicts of interest, as key figures within his political network have
been elevated to important roles in government and public institutions.
- For example, some of Tinubu’s political allies and close associates have been appointed to
sensitive positions, prompting concerns that decisions may be influenced by personal or political
loyalties rather than the public good.
### 2. **Fuel Subsidy Removal and Accountability Concerns**
- Upon assuming office, President Tinubu removed the longstanding fuel subsidy, a decision
that led to significant hikes in fuel prices. While the removal of the subsidy was widely seen as
necessary to improve Nigeria's fiscal health, there have been concerns about the management
of the funds saved from the subsidy removal.
- Questions have arisen over how the funds will be allocated and whether they will be
channeled into meaningful public investments or misappropriated by corrupt officials. There is a
need for greater transparency in how these savings are utilized, as previous administrations
have been accused of embezzling funds meant for public projects.
### 3. **Foreign Exchange Market Manipulation**
- In June 2023, the Tinubu administration implemented a series of reforms in the foreign
exchange market, unifying exchange rates and floating the naira. While this was meant to curb
corruption and reduce manipulation of the exchange market, it also created opportunities for
speculative practices that could benefit well-connected individuals.
- The sudden depreciation of the naira raised concerns that some elites or politically
connected individuals could be taking advantage of insider information or influence to profit from
currency fluctuations, creating a new avenue for corruption in the financial sector.
### 4. **Concerns Over the Management of Oil Revenues**
- As the largest oil-producing nation in Africa, Nigeria's oil sector has historically been plagued
by corruption, and there are concerns that this trend may continue under Tinubu. The Nigerian
National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which manages the country’s oil resources, has been
associated with opaque practices in the past, and the lack of significant reforms so far under
Tinubu has raised concerns that the sector will remain vulnerable to corruption.
- Critics have pointed out the need for better transparency in oil revenue management and
ensuring that public funds from the oil sector are used for national development rather than
lining the pockets of corrupt officials.
### 5. **Political Patronage and Campaign Funding Allegations**
- During the 2023 presidential election, allegations surfaced regarding the use of state
resources, illicit funds, and political patronage to finance Tinubu’s campaign. Critics argued that
the heavy spending and influence exerted by Tinubu’s political machine reflected deeply
entrenched corruption within Nigeria's political landscape.
- Although these claims remain largely unproven, they point to broader concerns about
corruption in political campaigns, where large sums of unaccounted-for money are used to
secure loyalty and electoral victories.
### 6. **Judiciary and Electoral Corruption**
- Questions have been raised about the integrity of Nigeria's judiciary system and the role it
plays in election-related corruption. After the controversial 2023 election, Tinubu’s victory was
challenged by opposition candidates in court. Allegations of judicial corruption were raised, with
claims that judgments in favor of Tinubu may have been influenced by political pressures or
financial incentives.
- These concerns highlight a broader issue of corruption within Nigeria's judiciary, which has
been a persistent problem even before Tinubu took office. There is apprehension that under
Tinubu’s administration, political influence over the judiciary could increase, undermining the
rule of law.
### 7. **Lack of Anti-Corruption Reforms**
- Unlike previous administrations that created high-profile anti-corruption agencies (such as
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC), the Tinubu administration has yet to
introduce significant anti-corruption reforms. While some have commended Tinubu’s economic
policies, critics argue that his government has not placed enough emphasis on fighting
corruption in government institutions and ensuring transparency in governance.
- Without strong anti-corruption reforms, there is concern that government funds and public
resources could be mismanaged or siphoned off by corrupt officials under Tinubu’s watch.
### 8. **Limited Action Against Previous Corruption Cases**
- Tinubu’s administration has been criticized for not taking bold actions against previous
corruption cases involving high-profile individuals from past governments. There is concern that
the administration may lack the political will to go after powerful figures who were involved in
corrupt activities during previous administrations, particularly if they are politically aligned with
Tinubu.
### 9. **Concerns over Tinubu’s Personal Wealth**
- Tinubu’s personal wealth has long been a subject of scrutiny. During his tenure as governor
of Lagos State (1999-2007), questions were raised about the sources of his wealth and his
influence over Lagos State’s finances and assets. Although no formal charges have been
brought against him, there are suspicions that his wealth could be linked to corrupt practices.
- In the context of his presidency, these unresolved concerns about his personal wealth have
continued to fuel allegations of corruption, as critics worry about how his administration will
handle issues of transparency and accountability.
### Challenges in Combating Corruption
Despite these concerns, addressing corruption remains a systemic challenge in Nigeria.
Tinubu’s administration is faced with balancing political interests while implementing necessary
reforms, and corruption remains deeply entrenched in various sectors. To reduce corruption
effectively, there will be a need for strong political will, enforcement of anti-corruption laws, and
public accountability.
In summary, while it is still early in Tinubu’s administration, some issues related to cronyism,
campaign financing, lack of anti-corruption reforms, and concerns over oil revenues and forex
market manipulation have raised alarms about potential high levels of corruption. These
concerns echo the long-standing problem of corruption in Nigeria's governance, and observers
are watching closely to see how the Tinubu administration addresses these challenges.