Presidential Election Settled, Focus Shifts to Advancing Nigeria – Minister

• The federal government has invited the PDP and Labour Party leadership to collaborate with President Tinubu for the nation’s advancement
• Minister Idris emphasized the economic challenges, President Tinubu’s commitment to all Nigerians, and key reform initiatives to drive growth

The federal government has extended an invitation to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to work in unison with President Bola Tinubu in advancing the nation.

The call was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, during a press conference in Abuja, following the recent Supreme Court ruling on the 2023 presidential election petitions.

Idris expressed gratitude to the judiciary for their diligent resolution of electoral disputes and underscored the importance of unity and collective focus.

Acknowledging the economic challenges faced by Nigeria, the Minister emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to being a president for all Nigerians, regardless of their affiliations.

He stated, “These are indeed challenging economic times, not just for Nigeria, but also for many countries around the world, and all hands must be on deck to tackle the challenges confronting us.”

President Bola Tinubu has been diligently working to realize the Renewed Hope Agenda, which forms the basis of his presidency. The administration has initiated reforms, though tough and initially painful, are essential for laying the groundwork for economic growth and prosperity for the Nigerian people.

Key reforms mentioned by the Minister include the removal of petrol subsidies, freeing up significant resources for federal and state governments to invest in infrastructure and welfare programs, and the ongoing liberalization of the foreign exchange regime to eliminate past exploitations.

Idris also outlined measures to mitigate the impact of these reforms, including provisional wage increments, the establishment of an Infrastructure Support Fund for states, and the launch of a CNG bus rollout program.

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted several government initiatives, such as executive orders to enhance the business and fiscal environment, the establishment of a Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee to reduce tax burdens, cash transfers to vulnerable households, and the distribution of grains and fertilizer to farmers.

The administration is also focused on supporting startups, providing access to credit for MSMEs, developing technical talents, and promoting service-export jobs. Additionally, there are plans for a new Federal student loan program set to be launched in January 2024.

Idris emphasized the importance of collaboration between the federal government and state governments, and he encouraged Nigerians to remain patient and optimistic about the country’s future. He stressed the necessity of unity and constructive criticism to overcome the nation’s challenges.