Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has affirmed that President Bola Tinubu is leading Nigeria through a series of transformative policies and reforms aimed at correcting past missteps and setting the country on a path to become a formidable economic superpower.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday to unveil activities for Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, Idris praised the President’s focus on reviving the economy despite global economic challenges.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu, we have initiated transformative policies and reforms aimed at correcting the missteps of the past and repositioning Nigeria as an economic superpower in the near future,” Idris said. “Despite global economic headwinds and the transitional pains accompanying some of the reforms, the President has remained focused in his efforts towards reviving our economy and returning the country to the path of prosperity and sustainable growth.”
Among the key reforms highlighted by the Minister is the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment granting autonomy to local governments, a development President Tinubu pursued to foster rural socio-economic transformation. This decision ensures elected local government administrations now have direct fiscal control, enhancing grassroots governance, promoting accountability, and improving development outcomes.
Idris further pointed out that efforts are underway to stabilize the country’s macroeconomic framework, reform the tax system, attract investment into the oil and gas sector, and diversify government revenues.
The Minister also lauded President Tinubu’s leadership in guiding Nigeria into a critical energy transition phase. As part of a presidential initiative, Nigeria is moving from fossil fuels to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles and machinery, a development that is projected to reduce transportation costs for Nigerians by up to 60 percent while creating jobs and attracting significant investment.
“The ongoing rollout of CNG infrastructure is already yielding tangible benefits, not just in reducing transportation costs but also in creating new employment opportunities and drawing local and foreign investment,” Idris added.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence in 1960, Idris called the 64th anniversary a time for both celebration and reflection. He acknowledged the resilience and strength of the Nigerian people in navigating various challenges and reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving sustainable prosperity.
As part of the anniversary proceedings, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, unveiled a series of programmes for the celebrations. The event was attended by high-ranking government officials, including Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Finance, Works, Water Resources, Education, and Tourism, as well as other key presidential aides.
In closing, Idris expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their patience and resilience during this period of economic transition, assuring them that there is hope on the horizon. “The journey has been tough, but there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said, emphasizing the government’s ongoing efforts to foster national unity, economic growth, and a cultural reawakening through the recently ratified National Values Charter.
The 64th Independence Anniversary, he concluded, serves as a reminder of Nigeria’s enduring capacity to emerge stronger in the face of adversity, united by a shared vision of prosperity and progress.
