Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has lauded the 2024 Budget Proposal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying it serves as a pivotal step towards realizing the ambitious and transformative objectives outlined in his Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister stated this in Kaduna at the 2023 Public Lecture of the Kaduna State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations with the theme ‘Demographic Translation, Ethical Resources and Sustainable Development: Reflections on Northern Nigeria’.
He said the comprehensive fiscal plan, which reflects a deep understanding of the challenges facing the country, is designed to be a catalyst for sustainable development, economic growth, and prosperity.
“Just this week, he presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly, the first full-year Budget of his Administration. The Budget as presented signifies a pivotal step towards the realization of his Renewed Hope Agenda, by aligning fiscal strategies and priorities with broader national development objectives,“ the Minister said.
He added that the Budget focuses on key sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, security, and social welfare, among others, to improve the quality of life of Nigerians and foster inclusive and equitable growth.
Unlocking Nigeria’s demographic advantage
Idris, while speaking on the theme of the lecture, emphasized the significance of the Demographic Transition concept in Nigeria, noting the country’s population is estimated to be the third most populous in the world, after India and China, and ahead of the United States by 2050.
The Minister highlighted that Nigeria’s very young population, with a median age of 19, has far-reaching implications for the country’s present and future, including education, healthcare, jobs, security, and economic potential.
“We owe these teeming young people a great deal, starting with ensuring that they are educated for the world of the 21st century,” he stated.
“With our population, we are at a crossroads, where one direction leads to demographic dividend, and the other direction leads to demographic disaster.”
He urged Nigerians to support the President’s vision and policies, and to cooperate with the government in the implementation of the Budget, which he described as a roadmap for a brighter future.
Partnering with NIPR to revitalize NIPI
The Minister, while discussing the partnership between his ministry and the NIPR, expressed his readiness to revitalize the National Institute of Public Information (NIPI), a training arm of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
Idris plans to achieve this through a broad-based and result-oriented collaboration with the NIPR, which will enhance the capacity of Information Officers of government ministries, departments, and agencies. NIPI will also serve as a training ground for Nigerians from diverse fields and endeavors
The Minister’s initiative to revitalize NIPI is expected to develop the capability of Information Officers and empower young Nigerians to contribute to the country’s growth and development.
