By Divine Sam

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

Barau, however, acknowledged the need for government officials to improve communication with citizens so that Nigerians can better understand the policies being implemented and the challenges confronting the country.

He made the remarks in Yola, Adamawa State, during a lecture titled “Democracy and Development: Rethinking the Leadership Question,” organised to mark the 59th birthday of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

Osinbajo had expressed concern over public satisfaction with democracy and economic conditions across Africa, citing Afrobarometer survey findings showing that although 64 per cent of Africans prefer democracy, only 38 per cent are satisfied with how it works.

The former vice-president also cited findings indicating that 59 per cent of respondents rated their countries’ economies as bad, while 51 per cent believed economic conditions had worsened.

He warned that persistent economic hardship, unemployment, inadequate healthcare and declining participation among young voters could weaken public confidence in democratic governance.

Reacting to the concerns, Barau described Osinbajo as an intellectual and an effective communicator but argued that the negative assessment did not sufficiently reflect the efforts being made by governments to address the country’s challenges.

“There is no proper communication,” Barau said, suggesting that the gap between government actions and public understanding had contributed to the perception that little was being done.

The deputy Senate president pointed to initiatives in the education sector, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides eligible students with access to financial support for their education.

He also highlighted major infrastructure projects as evidence of ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth and improve connectivity across the country.

Among the projects he cited were the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Badagry-Sokoto Highway and infrastructure developments in the North-East and North-West regions.

Barau maintained that such investments were intended to support economic activities, improve transportation and create opportunities for prosperity.

Addressing the rising cost of living, he argued that Nigeria’s economic difficulties could not be viewed in isolation from global developments.

He pointed to the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East as factors affecting international supply chains and energy prices, including disruptions and risks associated with strategic shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

“Nigeria is not an island,” he said, stressing that developments in the international economy also influence conditions at home.

Barau urged political leaders at both federal and state levels to communicate their policies more effectively, arguing that clearer explanations could help citizens understand the challenges facing the country and the measures being taken to address them.

His remarks have brought renewed attention to the debate over Nigeria’s economic direction, the impact of government policies on ordinary citizens and the responsibility of political leaders to communicate progress while acknowledging the difficulties Nigerians continue to face.