The Africa Polling Institute (API) has released its May 2024 #NigeriaSpeaks survey report, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year in office.


Conducted between May 1 and 18, the national survey involved 3,996 citizens and utilized a stratified random sampling method to ensure comprehensive demographic representation.


According to Executive Director, Africa Polling Institute Professor Bell Ihua, the survey showed a bleak picture of Nigeria’s current state, with 84% of respondents expressing profound sadness and 81% believing the country was headed in the wrong direction.


Major challenges identified included hunger (36%), inability to meet basic needs (28%), unemployment (13%), heightened insecurity (9%), and poor electricity supply (5%).


Additionally, 74% of citizens reported a worsening personal economic situation over the past year.


President Tinubu’s job performance was rated poorly by 78% of respondents, with 49% marking it as “Very Poor” and 29% as “Poor.”


This dissatisfaction extended to other government branches, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Honourable Tajudeen Abbas receiving poor ratings from 81% and 79% of citizens, respectively.


Similarly, 75% rated the judiciary under Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola poorly.


Regarding President Tinubu’s Cabinet, 68% of citizens felt none of the ministers had performed well.


Among the top-performing ministers identified were Professor Tahir Mamman (Education), Barr. Nyesom Wike (FCT), Dr. Dave Umahi (Works and Housing), Dr. Bosun Tijani (Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy), and Professor Ali Pate (Health and Social Welfare).


Conversely, Hon. Adebayo Adelabu (Power), Hon. Wale Edun (Finance), Hon. Heineken Lokpobiri (Petroleum Resources), and Hon. Abubakar Kyari (Agriculture and Food Security) were noted as the least performing ministers.


The survey also highlighted a rising tide of discontent, particularly among unemployed and underemployed youth, who were increasingly becoming local crusaders and social activists.


The #NigeriaSpeaks survey is part of API’s effort to capture public attitudes and perceptions, providing valuable data for policymakers, scholars, and advocates to improve governance and public policy in Nigeria.


For detailed data and further analysis, the survey results are available on the API website.