Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Niger State to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and work together to consolidate gains in the economy, security, infrastructure, education and human capital development.
Idris made the call in Abuja while receiving the chairmen of the APC in the 25 Local Government Areas of Niger State, who paid him a solidarity visit.
The Minister said the administration inherited a challenging economic and security situation when it assumed office in May 2023, stressing that the country’s economic foundation was under severe pressure and insecurity had adversely affected the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.
“All of us must join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu so that he can consolidate on the gains that we have already achieved and put Nigeria on a sound economic footing,” Idris said.
According to him, the reforms implemented by the administration have significantly changed the country’s economic outlook and created additional fiscal space for governments to undertake development projects.
“It is very easy to forget where we were coming from, but today that situation has changed significantly. We now have the fiscal headroom to undertake the developmental projects that Nigerians are seeing across the country,” he said.
Idris attributed the increased resources available to the Nigerian government and subnational governments partly to the removal of the fuel subsidy, saying the savings were being channelled into critical sectors, including agriculture, roads, healthcare, education and youth development.
He also said the government’s economic reforms were gradually restoring investor confidence in the Nigerian economy, noting that investors were returning while foreign businesses operating in the country were experiencing improved capacity to repatriate their earnings.
The Minister highlighted major ongoing projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway.
He noted that road construction and rehabilitation were also ongoing across the states of the federation, adding that the projects were aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating economic activities.
On security, Idris acknowledged that challenges remained but maintained that the country was making gradual progress towards restoring normalcy.
“Are we yet there? No. Do we still have challenges? Yes. But are we seeing a progressive journey towards the restoration of normalcy in this country? Yes,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted the achievements of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying the initiative had enabled more than one million young Nigerians to access tertiary education by reducing the financial burden associated with tuition and upkeep.
He said the Nigerian government was equally expanding opportunities in agriculture, the non-oil sector and solid minerals, while regional development commissions were being strengthened to bring development closer to communities and enable them to address their peculiar needs.
Idris urged APC leaders in Niger State to maintain unity and resolve internal disagreements through dialogue, stressing that the party must remain focused on strengthening the Tinubu administration and sustaining its development agenda.
He said the progress recorded since 2023 provided a foundation for greater achievements and called on Nigerians to support the continuation and consolidation of the ongoing reforms.
“Any attempt to take us back to those times of uncertainty must be rejected by all Nigerians,” the minister said.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the APC, Chairmen of the 25 Local Government Areas of Niger State and leader of the delegation, Hashimu Izom, said the delegation visited the Minister to congratulate him on his achievements, appreciate President Tinubu for his appointment and commend his representation of Niger State at the federal level.
Izom also praised Idris for promoting unity in Niger State and supporting projects and initiatives that had benefited the state.
“We are proud of you, not because you are Mohammed Idris Malagi, but because you are a bonafide Nigerite who stands everywhere to defend Mr President and represents Niger State even at the national level,” Izom said.
He assured the Minister of the continued support of APC leaders at the grassroots, saying the delegation remained committed to strengthening the party and supporting the administration’s development agenda.
