…President’s efforts in last 12 months crystallising into reality- Idris
…Global cooperation rooted in Nigeria’s national devt, Renewed Hope Agenda – Bagudu
… Dialogue aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s potential in all sectors – Uzoka-Anite
The vice-president, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Friday in Abuja highlighted the bold steps taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reposition the country since he assumed office in May last year, saying “Nigeria is ready for the future with Mr. President’s economic plans for the country.”
He said this while speaking at a High-Level Dialogue Forum, to mark the first-year anniversary of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, with the theme “Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda: Leveraging international cooperation to enhance trade, investment and sustainable economic development in Nigeria,” he affirmed the country’s readiness for the future and for business.
He stressed the importance of choosing right over popular decisions.
He praised Nigerians in the Diaspora for their significant economic contributions and celebrated the achievements of other forward-thinking African countries.
The vice-president reiterated Nigeria’s unique position to leverage its demographic advantage and the wide provisions made for women’s participation in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said, “Now is the best time to remind ourselves that Nigeria is ready for the future. The Renewed Hope Agenda transcends the domestic policy agenda and prides on our partnerships with countries in the world, understanding that no country exists in a vacuum. Unlike some of our neighbours in West Africa, Nigeria is open for business. Our appointments are square pegs in square holes. For instance, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, is a celebrated journalist and a publisher.
“Over the past year, Mr. President has embarked on multilateral and bilateral relations globally, commanding respect and exploring areas of trade, security, and investment. There is only one captain on the ship, which is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The 4D diplomatic strategy signals a transformational approach toward a value-driven democracy. This approach aligns with Nigeria’s global engagement with its national interests. It has also made the Diaspora a major pillar of national development and foreign policy. We are positioned to boost our international investment.
“The Nigerian American community is the most upwardly mobile community in the international community. Mr President’s intentions in promoting trade have emphasised the development of infrastructure, evident in programs like the Infrastructure Investment Fund. CNG buses are an example of investments in green energy, which signal a step in the right direction. The reality we desire cannot be achieved unless we guarantee the safety of our citizens.”
He acknowledged the monumental achievement of some African countries, citing the story of Rwanda, Botswana, Mauritius, and Seychelles, but questioned the population of Rwanda’s 14 million population, which was compared with Kano and four extra local governments in the state.
“The population of Botswana compared with Abuja, Mauritius with Mpappe, and Seychelles with Birnin Kebbi, underscoring the fact that numbers count. We can transform our demographic bulge into a demographic dividend. The government will unlock the full potential in the digital space. I implore Nigerians to work together and address the issues of sustained and inclusive economic growth, and a growth which will resonate with our women. We should stay together as one people tied to a common destiny,” he added.
Minister’s disclosures/assurances
Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Dialogue was for both reflecting on the last one year, and looking ahead at the next three years, with special emphasis on the role of international cooperation in achieving the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said, “I will focus my brief remarks on three points: First, is the president’s determination to engage on the global stage to position and sell Nigeria as an investment destination. This is a task that Mr. President has taken very seriously; at home and abroad he sees himself as the Chief Marketing Officer of the country, and goes the extra mile to fulfil this role with boldness and determination.
“Second, is the work that we are doing at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to support the president’s agenda. Earlier, I spoke about the president seeing himself as the Chief Marketing Officer of Nigeria. That tells you a lot about how we view communication as a government imperative.
“He gave the approval to constitute, under my oversight, a National Communications Team, which brings together a wide range of the government communications professionals, to work harmoniously to engage with Nigerians and showcase our journey as a government that is determined to leave a lasting legacy of reset and reform in every facet of national life. I want to assure you that you will see a lot more of our work as a team as we enter this second year of the administration. We will continue to engage with Nigerians, home and abroad, regarding our work, prioritising truth, credibility and impact.
“The third thing I want to leave with you is to express my clear and unshakable belief that things will get better in Nigeria. A lot of the work that was put in during the last 12 months is just now crystallising into reality. The Consumer Credit Corporation; Nigeria Education Loan Fund; Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative; the Presidential Grant and Loan Scheme; agriculture efforts (Dry Season Farming, Fertiliser Distribution); Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund; Electricity Sector Reforms; Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms; National Minimum Wage Negotiations; all of these and many more are policies and programmes that will directly touch and improve the lives of Nigerians.
“All of these will go a long way to bring prices down, reduce the cost of doing business, put more money into the pockets of Nigerians, bring more electricity into our homes and industries, spur domestic and foreign investment, and push the country further along on the path to true and lasting prosperity. I am indeed very optimistic about what this second year that we are going into will bring, and I invite you all to share in this enthusiasm.”
Uzoka-Anite’s remarks
On her part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, said the Dialogue “seeks to highlight the importance of international cooperation towards strengthening bilateral and multilateral engagements, exploring opportunities for attracting local and foreign investment, and enhancing trade competitiveness.”
She said through the aforementioned efforts, the administration “aims to unlock Nigeria’s potentials in all sectors of the economy by catalysing sustainable, holistic and inclusive national development.”
“In celebrating this milestone, today’s forum is timely and pivotal as it seeks to critically reflect on the crucial role of international cooperation and economic diplomacy in fostering trade, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable economic development in our beloved nation. In today’s interconnected world, no country can thrive in isolation; which is why under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria has been intentionally positioned to forge strong economic partnerships that will contribute to our national growth agenda while also enhancing our global competitiveness.
“Nigeria is the largest country by population in Africa, and holds the largest economy in the continent accounting for almost 20% of the continent’s GDP. Undoubtedly, our nation is one of the most attractive investment destinations in Africa, and projected to be the 3rd largest National market in the world by 2050. These reasons come together in the unique offer we have in global competitiveness, which is a wealth of natural resources, agricultural potential, a young, vibrant and highly skilled labour force, a large domestic market, our diverse cultural history, exponential domestic trade, and an unwavering commitment to the sanctity of the constitution and Rule of Law – with this administration representing our 3rd decade of peaceful transition of democratic / civil rule.
“In alignment with these and at the core of our discussions today is the Renewed Hope Agenda which underscores Mr. President’s commitment to unleash the country’s full economic potential, by focusing on the rule of law, job creation, poverty alleviation, food security, access to capital, growth, inclusion, and the fight against corruption.
“Over the course of the dialogue today, myself and my esteemed colleagues are geared to share a roadmap of policy priorities, implementation mechanisms, challenges, as well as opportunities for delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda in our respective areas.
“On my part, I would be highlighting my Ministry’s achievements thus far as well as our unwavering commitment going forward, to supporting businesses, promoting trade liberalisation, and creating an enabling environment for attracting investment through international cooperation. We understand the pivotal role of International cooperation in driving National economic growth and we continue to facilitate and encourage these partnerships by developing, initiating and implementing strategic policies, towards building shared prosperity.
“The single message I wish to reiterate to you is a re-assurance of the significance of partnership, collaboration and international cooperation. We must collectively explore and harness opportunities for global partnership towards National economic growth and development,” she said.
Bagudu’s optimism
Similarly, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, appreciated partners in international development and emphasised how international cooperation is rooted in Nigeria’s national development and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the mandate of the ministry included bilateral relations for the national economy, adding that the mandate of all ministries all had dimensions that require international cooperation.
He said challenges in the world cannot be solved in isolation, despite challenges to the global supply chain and the free flow of capital, adding that the international partners have recognised the courageous reforms taken by Mr. President in the past year, as well as the steadfastness in addressing pressing global issues such as migration and climate change.
He said the President Tinubu’s administration has adopted major constraints in macroeconomic management to earn the trust of foreign investment, aimed to achieve a deficit close to the 3 per cent international standard.
He emphasised the efforts by Nigeria to remain responsible global citizens, and assured global partners that Nigeria is on the path to success.
Bagudu highlighted the importance of international cooperation rooted in Nigeria’s constitution, development plans and the Renewed Hope Agenda, even as he assured the international community of Nigeria’s commitment to abolishing waste financing and remaining a reliable global partner.
BoI MD speaks
On his part, the MD/CEO of the Bank of Industry (BoI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, highlighted the duty of the BoI in encouraging strategic partnerships, which he said supports efforts such as de-risking investment and enabling capacity building.
He said the administration leverages on development financing through international cooperation, which would set up a roadmap towards achieving Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and aims to continually deepen partnerships for achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the focus was on utilising development financing via international cooperation to align with the president’s agenda, while the intention was to strengthen collaborations to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He highlighted the significance of collective efforts in achieving long-term objectives, concluding with the proverb, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.’
2027: Tinubu’ll survive Atiku, Obi’s plot – Progressive Hub (2nd)
By Bode Olagoke
Abuja
A prominent group of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the platform of the National Progressive Hub (NPH) has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would survive and be re-elected in 2027.
According to the group, this is despite the renewed political plot by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).
Earlier, in the week, the two opposition figures, among others, made the news when they had a closed-door meeting for the first time since after the 2023 general elections.
Addressing a press conference Friday in Abuja, the national coordinator of the National Progressive Hub, Bukie Okangbe, called on all aggrieved APC members to see the party’s leaders as their representatives and hence, embrace them with love and open heart.
Okangbe said the game was gradually building up as many political parties and members were mending fences to challenge the All Progressive Congress; “hence, a signal that we have to sit up as a united family.”
She said, “We are mindful of the happenings in the country, especially with hardship and hunger faced by many families and households in the country, we plead with Nigerians to bear with the president and have faith in the administration.
“The president has given Nigerians his words that the present hardship is temporary and that he is committed to doing so. As a leader with a large heart, Nigerians should just show a little more patience in the capacity of the president to fulfill his election promises.
“It is constitutional that come May 29, 2027, the tenure of the present administration would come to an end and it is our belief that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be sworn in for a second term. It’s on this note that the National Progressive Hub is calling on party faithful and members to rally round the leaders of our party for a greater victory in the next election.
“The on-going alignment of political parties and politicians in the country showed obviously that some are ready to match up with us come 2027. We are confident though that Nigerians are with us more than they were during the last elections due to the leadership quality of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Continuing, he said, “It’s on this note that we are calling on our party men and women to stay united. The Witch hunting of our leaders that have worked so hard for this Administration during campaigns must stop. We should remain focused as one family.
“It is both human and natural that issues would arise within a political family from time to time but the ability to reconcile and move forward makes the difference. The way forward for us as progressive government is for our party members to have a change of heart towards our leaders and stop the public embarrassment of dragging leaders in public.”
While appealing to Nigerians to exercise more patience with the government of the day, the group said, “We need to show more understanding with the government of the day than the general public. We are appealing to all our aggrieved progressive members to see our leaders as our representatives and hence, embrace them with love and open heart. As a complete party man, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is an accommodating father that would surely carry everyone along in which no one would be left out.”
It added that, “We believe that no amount of political alignment or strategies can vote us out in 2027 if we are united. The strength of APC lies in the faithfulness of its members and so the more we pull our leaders down in public, the more we make the opposition stronger. It is now getting worse that some progressive members are doing the work of opposition parties which is a sad reality.
“The National Progressives Hub stands with all our party leaders who worked tirelessly to deliver for our party in the last general election. We frown and reject any form of witch-hunt against our party leaders meanwhile opposition leaders indicted of corruption are walking free.
“We need all our leaders together and united because he has another election to win 2027.”