The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, delivered a speech at the 2023 end-of-year World Press Conference in Abuja, highlighting the achievements of the Tinubu Administration since assuming office on May 29, 2023. Here is the minister’s full speech:
Economy:
President Tinubu’s administration made a strategic move by removing fuel subsidy immediately after his swearing-in, demonstrating a commitment to fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation.
This decision aims to channel resources into critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, humanitarian aid, security, and others, contributing to national development.
The government acknowledges the challenges posed by this decision but remains dedicated to ensuring its benefits are felt by all citizens.
To mitigate initial challenges, the administration has implemented measures such as a provisional wage increment of N35,000 monthly for six months, an infrastructure support fund for states, and a N100 billion CNG bus rollout program, among others.
Agriculture and Food Security:
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security, reflecting a commitment to addressing the nation’s food sufficiency and prices.
The government is implementing comprehensive reforms and strategies to fortify food production systems, including initiatives like the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agropocket (NAGS-AP) to support staple crop cultivation.
Projects like the cultivation of dry-season staple crops in Hadejia, Jigawa State, and the National Potato Strategy 2023-2028 aim to boost food production.
Collaborations with the Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security and Water Resources promote year-round farming practices.
Ease of Doing Business:
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has been reconstituted, and executive orders signed to reduce the tax burden on key economic sectors, ensuring a business-friendly environment.
President Tinubu established a Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee to reform the tax system and reduce the tax burden on Nigerians.
Social Investment and Other Humanitarian Interventions:
The government launched a microcredit scheme targeting traders, farmers, etc., and approved a cash transfer of N25,000 monthly to 15 million of the poorest households for three months.
The Fulako Initiative aims to build houses, clinics, schools, and other infrastructure in communities affected by banditry.
Reforms in Foreign Exchange:
President Tinubu unified the official and parallel markets’ exchange rates, streamlining the financial system and promoting investor-friendly policies.
Efforts are underway to clear inherited foreign exchange backlog to boost investor confidence.
Attraction of Foreign Direct Investment:
President Tinubu’s international engagements aimed at attracting foreign investments have yielded over $15 billion in pledges across various sectors.
These investments will contribute to infrastructure development, technology transfer, and the nation’s overall economic advancement.
Regional Leadership:
Nigeria, under President Tinubu’s leadership as ECOWAS chairman, has played a crucial role in fostering regional cooperation, stability, and economic development within ECOWAS.
The country has been actively involved in mediating and resolving conflicts in the region.
Securing Nigeria:
President Tinubu has made the fight against insecurity a top priority, focusing on equipping security forces, addressing root causes, and promoting regional security cooperation.
Efforts have led to successes in stabilizing regions and combating terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality.
National Reorientation:
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation will unveil a Charter on Citizen Code to uphold national values and unity, reflecting President Tinubu’s commitment to reorienting national values and attitudes.
Message of Hope:
The reforms initiated by President Tinubu are sowing the seeds of transformative change, fostering economic growth, addressing insecurity, and promoting regional leadership.
The government encourages optimism and resilience as Nigeria moves towards a brighter future.
In addition to these achievements, the government aims to lift five million commuters during the yuletide season with a 50% transportation rebate and offers free train services from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024.
Participating road transport companies include GIG (God is Good), Chisco Transport, Young Shall Grow, God Bless Ezenwa, and Area Motor.
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