President Tinubu's Administration: A Year of Consolidation and Transformation - Minister Highlights Achievements and Future Plans
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, has declared 2025 a pivotal year of consolidation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. This declaration was made during a Ministerial Press Briefing held in Abuja, where Minister Idris highlighted the administration's significant achievements in its first 19 months.
The Minister emphasized the importance of reflecting on these accomplishments as the administration approaches its mid-term. He stated, "This inaugural briefing for 2025 serves as a reminder of our progress and the context in which these gains are being realized."
Minister Idris outlined key areas of achievement under President Tinubu's leadership, including fiscal, macroeconomic, and legislative reforms. He highlighted the removal of fuel subsidies, which has plugged financial leakages amounting to hundreds of billions of Naira annually. The introduction of the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) has also led to unprecedented stability in the FX market, clearing billions of dollars in backlogs and boosting foreign investment.
The Minister also noted the significant progress made in the oil and gas sector, with Nigeria becoming the most attractive destination for oil and gas investments in Africa in 2024. The country secured over $5 billion in Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) during the year. Additionally, the 2024 Electricity Act provides a framework for state governments to establish regulated electricity markets, following a constitutional amendment.
In the area of targeted interventions, Minister Idris highlighted the Students Loan Fund, which has benefited over 169,000 students with N32.8 billion for school fees and upkeep. The administration has also established new Development Commissions for the North-Central, South-East, and North-West regions, alongside the creation of a Federal University of Environmental Technology.
The Minister also noted the significant progress made in the healthcare sector, with the Federal Executive Council recently approving $1.07 billion from the World Bank for health programs. This includes targeted subsidies for cancer patients. Furthermore, the administration has implemented passport reforms, clearing a backlog of over 200,000 international passports within three weeks.
In the area of infrastructure development, Minister Idris highlighted the administration's commitment to investing in critical infrastructure. The Federal Executive Council has approved over 2.5 trillion Naira for various road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, access roads to the Second Niger Bridge, and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction.
The Minister also noted the significant progress made in the area of defence and security. In 2024, security forces neutralized over 8,000 terrorists and bandits, rescued 8,000 kidnap victims, and established a Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell in collaboration with the UK's National Crime Agency.
In the area of food security, Minister Idris highlighted the administration's commitment to investing in agriculture. The establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development aims to tap into a multi-billion-dollar agricultural opportunity, contributing to significant drops in grain prices.
The 2025 budget, termed the "Budget of Restoration," prioritizes Security, Infrastructure, Education, and Health, with allocations of N4.91 trillion, N4.06 trillion, N3.52 trillion, and N2.48 trillion, respectively. Minister Idris emphasized that the budget is designed to build on the progress made so far and to drive further growth and development.
In conclusion, Minister Idris emphasized that President Tinubu's administration is committed to consolidating its achievements and driving further growth and development. He stated, "We are witnessing a transformative era, where hope is being renewed for all Nigerians, regardless of age or gender, across the nation."
The Minister's briefing provided a comprehensive overview of the administration's achievements and future plans. It is clear that President Tinubu's administration is committed to driving growth and development, and to ensuring that Nigeria becomes a more prosperous and secure nation for all its citizens.
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