Nigeria’s President, Tinubu Gets More Monuments, While Citizens Battle Insecurity and Food Crisis

In a move that has kindled criticism nationwide, yet another major public institution has been renamed after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu this time, the International Conference Centre in Abuja despite worsening conditions across the country under his leadership.

Over the past 11 months, at least five institutions have been renamed in Tinubu’s honour, according to a recent Daily Trust investigation, ranging from federal universities to road infrastructure. The latest addition, was announced by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who described the gesture as a “tribute to a visionary leader.”

But for many Nigerians, the timing and frequency of these symbolic honours feel grossly out of touch with the country’s alarming reality.

“This is a government obsessed with naming buildings while millions can’t afford food, What legacy are we celebrating? Hunger? Insecurity? Joblessness?”

Mounting Hardship, Soaring Criticism

The renaming spree comes amid deepening economic strain. Nigeria’s inflation rate remains at decades-high levels, food prices have surged dramatically, and recent reports by humanitarian agencies show that over 30 million Nigerians face food insecurity in 2025.

On the security front, new terror factions such as ‘Mahmuda’ have emerged, particularly in the North Central and Northwest regions. A report last week detailed deadly attacks in Kwara State, with locals claiming government forces have been “largely absent.”

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“We are naming schools after a man under whose administration children can’t safely attend them”

A Cult of Personality or Legacy Building?

While government officials claim these gestures celebrate Tinubu’s “democratic contributions,” critics view them as attempts to build a cult of personality and deflect from policy failures.

Tinubu himself once warned against a one-party state and self-glorification, Now we see a government that silences opposition and promotes itself even in failure.

The backlash is particularly intense on social media.

Public Sentiment: Disillusionment and Frustration. Ordinary Nigerians continue to express frustration:

You name roads after him while our roads are death traps, Let them name a bag of rice after him. It now costs ₦80,000.

The discontent reflects a growing divide between the federal leadership’s priorities and the day-to-day struggles of citizens. As public institutions bear Tinubu’s name, Nigerians are left asking: What has truly improved under his administration?

With hunger rising, insecurity deepening, and economic hardship widespread, the continued renaming of national landmarks after President Tinubu has become a symbol not of honour, but of disconnect and many fear it signals a broader drift toward authoritarianism, dictatorship and self-congratulation, even as governance falters.

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