Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume has reassured Nigerians that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government shall remain focused and committed to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda for positive impact on the socio-economic life of Nigerians.
He said despite the daunting challenges from all angles, President Tinubu has “maintained his calm and demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities, thereby guiding our nation with vision and foresight.”
The SGF stated this Wednesday in Abuja during a world press briefing heralding the one-year anniversary of the Tinubu administration.
He said: “It is apt to say, that under President Tinubu’s stewardship within his first year in Office, we have witnessed significant strides in various sectors of our economy. Through prudent fiscal policies and strategic investments, the Nigerian economy has shown resilience and potential for growth.
“The administration’s focus on infrastructure development, job creation and economic diversification has laid the foundation for sustainable progress and prosperity for all Nigerians.
“As you may recall, Mr. President had declared his unwavering commitment to ‘…unleashing our country’s full economic potential, by focusing on job creation, access to capital for small and large businesses, inclusiveness, the rule of law, and the fight against hunger, poverty and corruption,’ for the good of the people.
“It is therefore imperative that the public is made aware of such commitment as well as the programmes and projects being pursued by government. Government is also poised to unveil measures being taken to positively change the trajectory of the current Nigerian economy.”
He said from the outset, President Tinubu’s administration set forth an ambitious agenda focused on economic revitalisation, social inclusion, and infrastructural development.
“Government has implemented significant economic reforms aimed at stabilizing our economy and fostering sustainable growth. Key among these is the introduction of policies that have attracted foreign investments, reduced inflation, and boosted job creation across various sectors,” he said.
… Insecurity
Speaking on insecurity, he said the safety and security of all Nigerians remained a top priority of the federal government.
The SGF said the government had strengthened security apparatus, enhanced intelligence gathering, and fostered greater collaboration among security agencies to address the multifaceted challenges of security across the country.
Speaking further, Akume said the administration had also rolled out several social intervention programmes aimed at alleviating poverty and empowering the vulnerable segments of in the society.
The SGF said: “These initiatives have provided financial assistance, skill acquisition opportunities, and improved access to essential services.
“I make bold to say that, Nigeria, under its present stewardship, has witnessed significant policy strides in various sectors including but not limited to:
“The Presidential accent to the 2023 Electricity Bill, a move that dismantled monopolistic control over electricity generation, transmission and distribution at the national level and granted authority to State Governments, Corporations and individuals to generate, distribute and transmit electricity, thus decentralizing the power sector;
“Accent to the passage into law of the Nigeria Data Protection Bill 2023 that established a legal framework for safeguarding personal information and promoting data protection practices in Nigeria; and the challenging but very necessary Removal of Fuel Subsidy, a longstanding policy notorious for fostering corruption, inefficiency and imposing significant fiscal strain on the government annually, and primarily benefitting the affluent and smugglers, rather than effectively aiding the general populace.”
On other areas of achievements, the SGF said Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s infrastructure was evident in the completion and execution of numerous projects.
He listed some of such projects to include; the extensive road networks, improved rail systems, and the modernisation of the ports, which he explained, were vital for boosting trade and connectivity.
“From the outset, President Tinubu’s administration set forth an ambitious agenda focused on economic revitalisation, social inclusion, and infrastructural development.
“Government has implemented significant economic reforms aimed at stabilising our economy and fostering sustainable growth.
“Key among these is the introduction of policies that have attracted foreign investments, reduced inflation, and boosted job creation across various sectors,” Akume said.
Idris
Earlier in his remarks, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said the anniversary celebration would be low-key in line with Tinubu’s policy of prudent management of resources.
He said the move was in line with Tinubu’s desire to the administration’s desire to serve the country and efficiently use resources for the good of all Nigerians.
The minister said: “The first anniversary will be low-key; there will be no celebration; it will be a sectoral presentation by ministries.
“This is in line with Tinubu’s administration to ensure efficient and judicious use of resources to deliver dividends of democracy to citizens. The president has directed that useful information should be provided in an honest, timely, and consistent manner.
“Members of the media are expected to report honestly, responsibly, and with a deep sense of patriotism. The essence of the media is to inform the people and hold government accountable.
“Thus, over time, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation finds it worthy to always brief the media and people on what the Federal Government is doing.”
The minister charged media practitioners to do their job with deep sense of responsibility and patriotism. (Additional reports from NAN)