- President Tinubu stresses prudent treasury use, pledges to improve living conditions by investing in critical sectors, emphasizing agriculture and economic diversification
- Tinubu urges party members to defend public funds, mobilize citizens for NIN registration, highlighting its importance for social security interventions
President Bola Tinubu emphasized the prudent use of Nigeria’s treasury during a meeting with the Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja. He assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to improving their living conditions by deploying resources to critical sectors.
Addressing the state party chairmen, Tinubu highlighted the importance of agriculture in Nigeria’s economic growth, outlining plans for large-scale livestock farming and mechanized agriculture. He emphasized the need for self-sufficiency in food production, stating that Nigeria will no longer rely on food imports.
Regarding economic reforms, Tinubu acknowledged potential resistance from individuals benefiting from old subsidy schemes. He emphasized the importance of defending public funds and urged party members to mobilize citizens for National Identification Number (NIN) registration, a crucial step for social security interventions.
“We are bringing mechanized farming to the fore. Yesterday’s crisis will become today’s opportunity. Fertilizers are being supplied to farmers as we speak. Agriculture and economic diversification provide the answers to our problems. We will not continue to import food. We know how to turn lack into abundance, and the world will watch us do it again,’’ the President said.
Tinubu emphasized that the repositioning of the economy is a top national priority. He urged party members not to wait for an appointment before bringing good governance and exemplary civic engagement to Nigerians.
“As we fight corruption, smugglers, and old subsidy beneficiaries, they will most certainly fight back. All those who falsified records and became losers with the subsidy (on petroleum products) removal will fight back.
“But we will defend our people. The treasury belongs to the people, and that sacred trust must not be abused.
“I urge the state chairmen to help citizens regardless of party affiliation by mobilizing them for NIN registration. Not just PVCs. Some are poor Nigerians who have not experienced formal education and do not understand what NIN is and how it will benefit their lives. We must teach them. We must care for them.
“Without NIN, we can not implement social security interventions for the vulnerable. We will make faulty moves without accurate data and iron-clad digital intervention structures. I have established a committee of governors headed by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. It is working on what must be done to lift our people further.
“We need to give hope, and we are giving it to the country and our citizens. We are working hard, day and night, even though some agents of destabilization are present in the polity. With our focused support, Nigerians shall defeat them,” the President affirmed.
In response, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje announced plans to establish the Progressive Institute of Policy and Development. The Forum of APC State Chairmen supported Tinubu’s administration and its economic programs, affirming their commitment to the party’s goals.