Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed optimism for the year 2024, saying that the reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu across various sectors of the economy will begin to yield positive results.
The Minister made this statement at the end-of-year press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Idris said the reforms were not instantaneous miracles but deliberate steps towards building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
He highlighted some of the achievements and plans of President Tinubu’s administration in the areas of job creation, investment attraction, sustainable growth, infrastructure development, innovation, and security.
The Minister also urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of hope and resilience and to support the government in its transformative agenda. He said the journey towards a better Nigeria was a collective endeavor, and that the government was committed to building a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians.
Transportation subsidy for commuters
The Minister also announced that the Federal Government had introduced a transportation subsidy scheme to cushion the effect of the high cost of transportation fares during the yuletide season. Idris said the scheme would target to lift five million commuters with a 50 percent transportation rebate.
He also said that all train services would be free for all Nigerians traveling from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024. The Minister listed the participating road transport companies for the rebate scheme as GIG (God is Good), Chisco Transport, Young Shall Grow, God Bless Ezenwa, and Area Motor.
He wished Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and declared that 2024 would be the year of manifestation.
Dominica Nwabufo
