A former Secretary to the Ondo State Government and Head of Service, lawyer, politician and farmer, Chief Clement Fioye Bajowa, speaks with HAKEEM GBADAMOSI, on governance, politics, economy and the challenges facing the state and Nigeria. Excerpts:

How would you assess President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and their impact on Nigeria since he assumed office?

To assess President Tinubu’s performance, you must first understand the state of the economy he inherited in 2023. At the time, Nigeria was facing a huge fiscal deficit caused by low government revenue, heavy fuel subsidy payments of over ₦1 trillion annually and multiple exchange rates that distorted the economy. Upon assuming office, he removed the fuel subsidy and unified the exchange rate. These reforms significantly increased government revenue, enabling the government to service public debt from internally generated revenue rather than borrowing to repay existing loans. Monthly allocations to states have also increased to nearly ₦2.5 trillion, almost three times what they received before. This has enabled states to pay workers’ salaries, implement the new minimum wage of over ₦70,000 and undertake major infrastructure projects. However, state Houses of Assembly must strengthen their oversight role to ensure the increased allocations are used for development and public services. The administration has also completed inherited projects, such as the Second Niger Bridge, and embarked on the construction of superhighways linking different parts of the country. These projects are expected to promote trade, improve connectivity, enhance security and attract more investment.

On public debt, I do not believe borrowing is the issue. What matters is the government’s ability to repay and ensure borrowed funds are used for…