Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, discussed the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to combat poverty, improve the economy, and ensure long-term prosperity for its citizens. In a detailed interview, he shared insights into the administration’s policies and initiatives designed to address the country’s pressing issues, with a particular focus on economic reforms, education subsidies, and social welfare programs.
Tackling Hardship and Poverty
Amidst rising economic hardship, President Bola Tinubu’s government has been working to alleviate suffering among Nigerians, according to Mr. Dare. “The Federal Government is doing a lot to combat poverty, hardship, and suffering among the people,” he affirmed. However, he also noted that the success of government policies depends on the public’s willingness to engage with available opportunities.
Dare highlighted the importance of active participation in government programs, drawing parallels to welfare systems in Western countries. “In America and Europe, they have welfare systems for the unemployed, but before you can benefit, there are forms to fill and requirements to meet,” he explained. He urged Nigerians to engage more proactively in such initiatives, emphasizing that without active participation, people cannot expect to benefit from government programs.
Education Subsidies and NELFUND Support
Dare pointed to the government’s NELFUND soft loans for students, which have benefited over 600,000 Nigerian youths, as a key policy to ease financial burdens. “600,000 young people are collecting N20,000 to augment their feeding and allowances in universities,” he said, referring to the financial aid provided to students. This initiative, he claimed, is a vital step in reducing the financial strain on families and increasing access to education for young Nigerians.
CNG Adoption and Energy Reforms
Regarding the removal of fuel subsidies, Dare acknowledged the challenges but highlighted the government’s proactive measures in promoting alternative energy sources. “President Bola Tinubu embraced Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) from the start, offering a more affordable energy source for powering cars,” he said. The government’s efforts to increase the adoption of CNG are gradually gaining traction across the country, offering Nigerians a more sustainable and affordable energy alternative.
Government Response to Security and Social Welfare
Addressing concerns about security in Nigeria, Dare provided a comprehensive assessment of the country’s efforts to combat terrorism and insurgency. He stressed that while significant progress had been made, challenges persist, particularly in addressing the porous borders through which criminal groups infiltrate the country.
“We have neutralised over 13,500 terrorists, bandits, and insurgents, and about 7,000 have been arrested in the past year alone,” Dare said, outlining the government’s ongoing efforts to secure the nation. He also pointed to the return of farmers to previously dangerous areas, such as Birnin-Gwari, as a success story of the government’s security strategy.
Economic Growth and Future Prospects
The administration’s economic policies have been generating positive results, Dare emphasized. “Our GDP has gone up from 2% to 3.6%, with projections of 4.6% by the end of the year,” he stated, pointing to the recovery of large corporations like Nestle and MTN, which have shown impressive profits after struggling in recent years.
While acknowledging the difficulty of implementing reforms in a country with a population of over 230 million, Dare remained optimistic. “It’s a matter of time before more Nigerians feel the positive impact,” he said. He also affirmed that the government remains committed to addressing the nation’s socio-economic challenges, with a focus on providing tangible benefits for the population.
Handling Political Defections and Governance
The recent wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) sparked debates, with some critics claiming that the administration’s approach undermines Nigeria’s democratic principles. However, Dare defended the party-switching as a natural part of Nigeria’s multi-party system.
“People can decide to change their ideologies; they can change their party affiliation. It’s not a crime to move from one party to another,” Dare asserted. He stressed that the APC’s strong leadership and the performance of President Tinubu had motivated defections, with many political figures aligning themselves with the government’s progressive policies.
Conclusion: A Vision for a Stronger Nigeria
As Nigeria faces numerous challenges, Dare’s interview painted a picture of an administration committed to long-term solutions. The government’s policies, though not without challenges, are designed to create lasting change for the nation’s youth, economy, and security. With continued reforms and adjustments, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is focusing on a brighter future for Nigeria, one rooted in growth, security, and inclusivity.