As Nigeria approaches its 64th Independence Day, the Federal Government has praised the country’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, describing it as a symbol of Nigerians’ commitment to sustaining freedom and liberty.
At a World Press Briefing in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reflected on Nigeria’s resilience, noting its transformation into a leading force in Africa and a respected voice on the global stage, despite enduring numerous challenges.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Idris highlighted the administration of President Bola Tinubu for initiating reforms aimed at repositioning the nation’s economy and addressing long-standing issues. Among the key reforms is Tinubu’s push for local government autonomy, which Idris described as a significant move toward strengthening grassroots governance.
Economic reforms, such as the removal of the petroleum subsidy, have set the stage for Nigeria’s transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), aimed at reducing transportation costs and attracting investments.
The Minister also noted that Tinubu’s administration is focusing on macroeconomic stability through tax system reforms, stabilizing the foreign exchange regime, and diversifying government revenues.
In education, the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund under the Student Loans Act of 2024 was highlighted as a key achievement to improve access to tertiary education for young Nigerians.
While acknowledging the current economic hardships caused by these reforms, Idris reassured Nigerians that the sacrifices being made would soon bear fruit, stating, “There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the launch of the Presidential CNG Initiative and the government’s commitment to reducing the cost of transportation through cleaner energy alternatives.
Akume also emphasized Tinubu’s focus on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of the economy.
The government’s efforts to address insecurity were also noted, with reports of successes in neutralizing insurgents and improving the capacity of the armed forces. Additionally, the government is working to mitigate the impact of recent floods across various states and prevent future occurrences.
The press briefing sets the stage for Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations, which will take place on October 1, 2024, with various events planned to commemorate the occasion.
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