President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style is rooted in navigating difficult paths, an approach that he has carried from his days as the Governor of Lagos State to his current role as Nigeria’s President. His critics often challenge him, mockingly asking if he can replicate his success in Lagos at the national level, yet they overlook the complexities of governance and the visionary approach Tinubu employs.
Tinubu’s legacy in Lagos is widely recognized as a blueprint for progressive leadership. As Governor from 1999 to 2007, he transformed Lagos into a thriving economic hub, setting the stage for unprecedented growth. His administration introduced significant reforms that modernized the state’s governance structure, improved infrastructure, and attracted private sector investments. While he never claimed sole responsibility for these achievements, Tinubu’s leadership was undeniably pivotal in placing Lagos on an irreversible path toward development.
One of the hallmarks of Tinubu’s leadership is his ability to plan ahead for future generations. The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, for instance, is a byproduct of the foundational work laid during Tinubu’s tenure. This massive investment has been pivotal in transforming Nigeria’s industrial capacity, and it was Tinubu’s forward-thinking policies that attracted such investments. The refinery is now seen as a national asset, but its origin can be traced to Tinubu’s visionary governance in Lagos.
Beyond industrial projects, Tinubu’s legacy in infrastructure is another defining feature of his tenure in Lagos. Projects like the Lagos metro Red Line and Blue Line rail systems, which are already operational and transforming the lives of millions of residents, were set in motion during Tinubu’s administration. The Blue Line, which has transported over two million passengers in two years, and the upcoming Red Line, highlight the long-term nature of his governance approach. These projects took years to materialize but were initiated under Tinubu’s leadership, demonstrating that governance requires patience, strategic vision, and a commitment to future progress.
What makes Tinubu’s leadership unique is that he understands the value of building sustainable systems, even when the results are not immediately visible. As a result, Lagos has witnessed sustained progress for over two decades, with each successive administration building upon his vision. Just recently, the Lagos government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated, signed a new deal with China for the development of the 68-kilometer Lagos Green Line Metro. This ambitious project, which will stretch from Ibeju-Lekki to Marina, exemplifies the generational progress Tinubu set in motion—proving that his legacy is still very much alive today.
However, Tinubu’s journey in leadership has not been without its challenges. During his first year as Lagos State Governor, many wrote him off, believing he lacked the capability to deliver. But Tinubu’s resilience, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, allowed him to overcome these early obstacles. His ability to confront challenges head-on, and his refusal to shy away from difficult decisions, marked him as a statesman willing to do what it takes to succeed. His legacy in Lagos is not just one of development but of perseverance in the face of doubt.
As President of Nigeria, Tinubu has taken the same approach, refusing to back down from the difficult decisions that many leaders might avoid. From economic reforms to security challenges, Tinubu’s administration has already tackled some of Nigeria’s most pressing issues. These are not decisions made for short-term popularity; rather, they are strategic moves aimed at delivering long-term benefits to the country. For instance, his removal of fuel subsidies—a decision that has sparked significant public debate—was made to free up resources for critical investments in infrastructure and social services. Though the decision was unpopular with some, Tinubu understands that tough choices are necessary to steer the nation in the right direction.
This willingness to make hard decisions is what has defined Tinubu’s leadership throughout his career. He is not interested in governing by consensus or avoiding confrontation. Instead, he believes that leadership requires making difficult decisions, even if they are unpopular in the short term, because the benefits will manifest in the long run. This approach has led to his administration being compared to that of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who was known for making tough economic decisions that were often unpopular but ultimately beneficial to the country.
One key example of Tinubu’s decision-making is his approach to fiscal reform. By focusing on reducing Nigeria’s dependence on oil revenue and diversifying the economy, Tinubu is laying the groundwork for a more stable and prosperous future. His administration has also introduced reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment, reducing the cost of governance, and streamlining government operations. These initiatives are designed to create a more efficient and effective government that can deliver better services to the Nigerian people.
Critics of Tinubu often point to the challenges Nigeria faces today, questioning whether his administration can truly transform the nation. However, Tinubu’s track record in Lagos shows that he is not easily deterred by obstacles. In fact, he thrives on challenges, viewing them as opportunities to implement transformative policies. Like his tenure as Governor of Lagos, Tinubu’s presidency is not about immediate gratification. Instead, it is about laying the foundations for long-term growth and prosperity.
Those who continue to challenge Tinubu’s leadership may not fully grasp the scope of his vision. Building a nation, like building a city, takes time, persistence, and careful planning. Tinubu’s leadership is not about quick fixes or shortcuts. He understands that meaningful progress requires a willingness to endure criticism and make difficult decisions for the greater good. As he leads Nigeria through one of its most challenging periods, Tinubu remains steadfast in his commitment to creating a prosperous and united nation.
His leadership style can best be described as pragmatic—focused on results rather than rhetoric. Tinubu is a man who takes the hard road because he knows that it is the only path to lasting progress. His tenure as President is still in its early stages, but the decisions he is making today will shape Nigeria for years to come. He may not always take the easiest route, but his commitment to Nigeria’s future is undeniable.
President Tinubu’s legacy will not be defined by how quickly he can solve Nigeria’s problems but by the strength of the foundation he builds for future generations. Just as his work in Lagos continues to bear fruit decades later, so too will his work as President of Nigeria. And as history has shown, Tinubu is not afraid to take the hard road, because he knows that it is the road that leads to true and lasting progress.
