Presidential Election Now Behind Us, Let’s Move Nigeria Forward – Minister

The federal government has called on the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to join hands with President Bola Tinubu to move the nation forward.

The minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made the call at a press conference yesterday in Abuja following the recent Supreme Court ruling on the 2023 presidential election petitions. 

In his address, Idris expressed gratitude to the judiciary for their diligent work in resolving the electoral disputes and emphasised the need for unity and focus.

He acknowledged the challenging economic times faced by Nigeria and emphasised President Tinubu’s commitment to being a president for all Nigerians, irrespective of their affiliations. 

He said: “These are indeed challenging economic times, not just for Nigeria, but also for many countries around the world, and all hands must be on deck to tackle the challenges confronting us. 

“President Bola Tinubu has made it clear that he would be a President for all Nigerians regardless of regional, ethnic, partisan or religious affiliations. 

Since he assumed office on May 29, he has been working tirelessly to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda that formed the basis of his coming into office. He has implemented unprecedented reforms that while tough and painful in the short term, are necessary foundations for the economic growth and prosperity that the people of Nigeria deserve. 

“The removal of petrol subsidy which as you all know was already envisaged by the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021 is freeing up significant resources for federal and state governments to invest in infrastructure and welfare programs for the benefit of citizens. 

“Similarly, the ongoing liberalisation of the foreign exchange regime is designed to close loopholes and gaps that have been exploited in very unscrupulous ways over the years, leading to the loss of billions of dollars in our scarce, hard-earned resources.”

The minister highlighted key reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange regime which are aimed at laying the foundation for economic growth and prosperity.

Idris also outlined various short and medium-term measures to alleviate the impact of these reforms on citizens such as a provisional wage increment, the establishment of an Infrastructure Support Fund for states and the launch of a CNG bus rollout program.

Other government initiatives mentioned included executive orders to improve the business and fiscal environment, a Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee to reduce tax burdens, cash transfers to vulnerable households, and the release of grains and fertilizer to farmers.

The minister discussed programmes to support startups, provide access to credit for MSMEs, develop technical talents, and promote service-export jobs. 

He also listed upcoming initiatives, such as the Federal student loan programme.

According to him, “Since he assumed office, the President has signed no fewer than five Executive Orders, aimed at improving Nigeria’s business and fiscal environment, and increasing foreign exchange supply.

Establishment of a Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee to reform the tax system while also reducing tax burden on Nigerians. 

“The Committee has this week presented its first set of reform proposals to the President, and Nigerians can rest assured that they will be implemented. I must emphasize that one of the primary mandates of the Committee is to reduce the tax burdens and complications faced by Nigerians.

“We are finalising the process for payment of a Cash Transfer of N25,000 monthly to 15 million of the poorest and most vulnerable households in Nigeria, for three months.

“A presidential directive for the release of 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and FCT to moderate prices, and 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, seedlings and other inputs to farmers. 

“An access-to-credit programme for startups and MSMEs, that will be launched soon: providing N50 billion in Conditional Grants to 1 million nano-businesses across Nigeria between now and March 2024; and a new single-digit interest-rate Fund to provide N75 billion to support manufacturing enterprises; among others. 

“We have launched the 3MTT programme that aims to develop 3 million technical talents by 2025, in line with the President’s vision for making Nigeria a global hub for digital jobs. In just two weeks since it was launched, close to 500,000 applications have been received from across Nigeria. 

“Still in line with the jobs agenda, we have recently launched the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), to create one million service-export jobs over the next 5 years, and make Nigeria a global business outsourcing hub; and have also launched the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme, to provide funding for Nigerian startups and researchers working in the area of Artificial Intelligence.

“By January 2024, we will be rolling out the new Federal student loan program that was announced a few months ago.

Some of these programs are being delivered or going to be delivered in close partnership with the state governments.”

Idris stressed the importance of collaboration between the federal government and state governments and encouraged Nigerians to be patient and optimistic about the country’s future, emphasizing the need for unity and constructive criticism.