Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has warned that ongoing economic reforms by the Federal Government will fail if Nigerians continue to bear hardship without visible relief, stressing that public support can only be sustained when reforms translate into improved living conditions.

Sani issued the warning while speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese, Ijebu, where he argued that policies such as fuel subsidy removal, though necessary, were introduced without adequate cushioning measures, leaving many citizens struggling with rising costs of living, insecurity and unemployment.

Sani explained that the policy was unsustainable for a country of over 230 million people dependent largely on oil revenue, warning that continued subsidy spending would amount to “eating our future”.

Speaking on fuel subsidy removal, Sani said the policy was economically inevitable but poorly managed in terms of human impact.

“Subsidy was not sustainable for a country of over 230 million people. If we had continued, we would simply be eating our future,” he said.

However, he faulted the government for failing to soften the immediate impact of the decision.

“You don’t remove subsidy first and start looking for palliatives later. You cushion the people before you introduce the shock,” he said.

Sani acknowledged that states now receive significantly higher allocations, with some budgets rising from hundreds of billions to over one trillion naira, but questioned how the funds were being utilised.

“States are getting more money today than ever before, yet the people are not feeling it. That is the real problem,” he said.

Warning of the dangers of deepening poverty, he added:

“When most people are poor, they have nothing to lose. That is how protests start and societies become unstable.”

Governance and Democratic Direction

Assessing the broader state of governance, Sani said the current administration came into office with high expectations but underestimated the depth of Nigeria’s challenges.

“Campaigning is different from governing. Many promises are made without fully understanding what is on the ground,” he said.

He noted that despite being from the same political party, Nigeria has witnessed two very different governing approaches.

“This government chose a reform path that previous administrations avoided. Reforms anywhere in the world are bitter pills,” he said.

However, he warned that timing and compassion matter.

“No president will ever be popular while implementing painful reforms. But people will only endure if they see hope and fairness,” he added.

Insecurity: Progress, But Far From Solved

On insecurity, Sani described the crisis as a long-standing national challenge that has spanned multiple administrations.

“This problem didn’t start today. It has passed through Yar’Adua, Jonathan, Buhari and now Tinubu,” he said.

While acknowledging some progress, he warned against complacency.

“Yes, student abductions have reduced in some areas, and some highways are safer, but killings by bandits and terrorists are still happening,” he said.

He urged the government to show tangible results quickly.

“Within this year, Nigerians must see that reforms will also bring security and dignity, especially for people in rural areas,” he said.

Local Government Autonomy and Grassroots Impact

Sani also expressed concern over the continued denial of funds to local governments despite the Supreme Court ruling granting them financial autonomy.

“What is the point of local government if money never reaches the grassroots?” he asked.

According to him, proper funding of councils would reduce pressure on major cities.

“If local governments are properly funded, development will reach villages, and people won’t keep running to Abuja to survive,” he said.

Nigeria–US Relations and Trump’s Allegations

Responding to questions on Nigeria–US relations and comments by US President Donald Trump alleging genocide in Nigeria, Sani dismissed the claims as political manipulation.

“Trump’s statement is not about Nigeria. It is about Trump,” he said.

He accused the former US leader of selective morality.

“He has a history of racism and authoritarian thinking. Human rights only matter to him when it suits American interests,” Sani said.

While urging caution in foreign relations, he praised Nigeria’s diplomatic restraint.

“The US is a superpower that can do and undo. You don’t fight such powers with emotions,” he said, adding that relying on Russia or China as alternatives was unrealistic.

Opposition Politics and the ADC Coalition

On opposition politics and the emerging ADC coalition, Sani was blunt.

“What we are seeing is not a new opposition. It is a gathering of people who are angry they are no longer in power,” he said.

He argued that many leaders in the coalition had previously held key positions without meaningful impact.

“These are former governors, ministers and senators. Nigerians are being asked to choose between those in power today and those who failed yesterday,” he said.

“There is nothing fundamentally new they are offering,” he added.

Presidential Travels and Leadership Presence

Addressing criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s foreign trips, Sani said such scrutiny was not new.

“Every Nigerian president since 1999 has been accused of travelling too much,” he said.

He noted, however, that trips should deliver value.

“There is nothing wrong with a president travelling, as long as those trips bring investment, power solutions and diplomatic gains,” he said.

National Assembly and Legislative Independence

Sani criticised the current National Assembly, describing it as less assertive than previous ones.

“The most independent National Assembly we had was the 8th Assembly because its leaders were not imposed by the president,” he said.

He warned that legislative independence often comes with tension.

“An independent legislature comes at a cost. You will clash with the executive, but that tension is healthy for democracy,” he said.

Caller’s reaction

Listeners who called into the programme expressed mixed reactions.

One caller criticised government spending on luxury vehicles and aircraft amid economic hardship, saying, “Since 1999, leaders keep telling citizens to sacrifice while they live large.”

Another caller defended President Tinubu’s handling of international relations, urging Nigerians to exercise patience and avoid undermining reforms prematurely.

A third caller questioned claims that states now have more funds, pointing to rising project costs and prolonged power outages in his area.

Responding to callers, Sani said public engagement enriches national discourse and strengthens democracy.

“Nigeria needs a credible opposition,” he said. “But recycling the same political elites under new banners will not save this country.”

He concluded by stressing that reforms must be fair and inclusive.

“When people are told to make sacrifices and those in power continue to live ostentatious lives, nobody will take reform seriously,” Sani said.