Concering issues as India Surpasses Japan: A Stark Reminder of Nigeria’s Decline
Over the weekend, it was announced that India has become the fourth-largest economy in the world, in terms of nominal GDP, surpassing Japan. According to IMF estimates for 2025, India’s GDP is projected to be about $4.187 trillion, while Japan’s GDP is approximately $4.186 trillion. India now aims to overtake Germany, which has a GDP of around $4.74 trillion, to become the third-largest economy.
While this is a remarkable achievement for India, it raises questions about Nigeria’s economic performance. I have undertaken a comparison of the two countries, as they once shared a similar economic trajectory.
According to historical estimates from the World Bank, at the end of 2007 (during Obasanjo’s presidency), India’s nominal GDP per capita was about $1,022, while Nigeria’s was approximately $1,816.
By 2015 (at the end of the Yar’Adua/Jonathan era), India’s nominal GDP per capita had risen to around $1,584, compared to Nigeria’s GDP per capita of about $2,586, as stated by World Bank data.
However, based on IMF World Economic Outlook projections, by 2025, India’s nominal GDP per capita is estimated to be about $2,878, while Nigeria’s is expected to decline to about $807.
Despite significant subsidy savings, substantial revenue growth, and excessive borrowing (more than all previous governments combined from 1999 to 2023), Nigeria's performance remains troubling. The combined revenue for 2023 to 2025 amounts to approximately ₦200 trillion ($135 billion), yet there has been no meaningful improvement in critical areas such as healthcare, education, or poverty alleviation.
In spite of these resources, issues like poverty, insecurity, healthcare, and education have worsened. Businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, are closing daily due to lack of support, electricity remains erratic and expensive, and the costs of basic necessities—such as rent, transport, and food—continue to rise beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.
I continue to call for national unity to build a leadership consensus anchored on competence, compassion, and character. This leadership must prioritize the welfare of Nigerians and invest in essential areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology. It should also focus on cutting waste, reducing the cost of governance, and ensuring full transparency and accountability so citizens can track and assess national progress.
Such a government must empower citizens economically, create jobs, support businesses, strengthen security, provide reliable energy and food security, promote innovation and human capital development, and restore trust in public institutions by holding officials accountable. This way, Nigeria’s vast resources can be directed toward building a prosperous, equitable, and secure nation for all.
Only through united collective action, transparency, and visionary leadership can Nigeria close the gap with nations like India and ensure that its wealth translates into prosperity, security, and opportunity for all citizens. Other countries are already setting an example—the time for Nigeria to act, catch up, and reclaim its potential is now.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
It is with deep concern that I am following the developments in Venezuela. The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration. This must lead to the overcoming of violence, and to the pursuit of paths of justice and peace. I pray for all this, and I invite you to pray too, entrusting our prayer to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, and to Saints José Gregorio Hernández and Carmen Rendiles. #PrayTogether
Merry Christmas to all, including the Radical Left Scum that is doing everything possible to destroy our Country, but are failing badly. We no longer have Open Borders, Men in Women’s Sports, Transgender for Everyone, or Weak Law Enforcement. What we do have is a Record Stock Market and 401K’s, Lowest Crime numbers in decades, No Inflation, and yesterday, a 4.3 GDP, two points better than expected. Tariffs have given us Trillions of Dollars in Growth and Prosperity, and the strongest National Security we have ever had. We are respected again, perhaps like never before. God Bless America!!! President DJT
I am heartbroken by the abduction of our daughters in Kebbi and the painful loss of Brigadier General Musa Uba and the brave soldiers who fell in Borno. Their families, and the families of the kidnapped schoolgirls, are in my prayers.
As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am depressed with the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes.
I am also depressed that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls. I have directed the security agencies to act swiftly and bring the girls back to Kebbi State.
I am fully apprised of the recent uptick in violent extremism in pockets across the country, and I have directed our security agencies to respond with urgency, clarity, and decisive action. Our forces need the full cooperation of every community. Sharing information can save lives and protect our children.
May God comfort the bereaved families.
Those who threaten the safety of our citizens will face the full weight of the Nigerian state.
🚨 Ghana: “Shut up, no World Cup for you!”
Nigeria: “I won’t shut up, you can’t shut me up.”🤓
Ghana: “Will you keep quiet? Are you a big fool?”
Nigeria: “I’m not a fool, sir. I’m acting on orders!” 💪😎
Gabon: “We will win Nigeria!”
Nigeria: “I am talking… and Gabon is talking?
You asked for it… now it’s official! 🔥
ABUJA — DEC 14TH
The #5iveAliveTour finally lands in the capital 💫
#Davido#5iveAliveTour 🇳🇬
https://t.co/gM4lEq2Qfp
Do not test President Trump’s resolve - he is serious about ending the ongoing slaughter of Christians in Nigeria.
I am asking the Nigerian government to do the right thing and partner with the United States to protect Christians and end to the slaughter of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
More on my interview with @kayleighmcenany on @FoxNews ⬇️
We face challenges head-on and remain steadfast in our commitment to engage partners and champion Nigeria's interests on the diplomatic front. We are confidently asserting our presence on the global stage, guided by unwavering calm, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose.
We are indeed faced with terrorism - a challenge Nigeria has faced for almost two decades, and we will not back down. We will decisively defeat terrorism and claim victory in this battle. Security is non-negotiable, and we will never compromise on this principle. With unwavering courage and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, we will prevail.
Nigeria is one united family. We rise together, move forward together, and reject despair in favour of determination. Our future is far more robust and stronger than any fears we may have.
The task ahead is immense, yet our resolve is even greater. We will continue to sustain and build on our reform gains and deliver a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.
We will spare no effort and leave no stone unturned in our mission to eliminate criminals from our society. We urge our allies to stand firmly with us as we amplify our fight against terrorism. We have made significant progress in the past two years and we will decisively eliminate this threat.
With courage and the rule of law, we will triumph.
Nigeria will be, and remain a reliable partner and dependable ally to its friends and a steady voice for stability. We also welcome the collaboration and support of our allies, friends, and partners as we strengthen both security and economic growth.
To the brave men and women of our armed forces and intelligence community united by purpose, regardless of tribe or religion, who serve fearlessly, fight side-by-side and sometimes pay the ultimate price, we express our deepest gratitude. Your commitment is our strength in the fight against terror.
~ Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria