President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has solicited the support and cooperation of Nigerians as his administrationpursues its goal of a one trillion-dollar economy.
In a New Year message Wednesday, the president called on Nigerians to remain focused and united, assuring that 2025 would be better.
He said: “As we enter 2025, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. May you be rich in joy, success, and good health.
“As the New Year dawns, it brings many hopes, aspirations, and prospects for better days. By the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfill our collective desires.
“Though 2024 posed numerous challenges to our citizens and households, I am confident that the New Year will bring brighter days.
“Economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for our nation. Fuel prices have gradually decreased, and we recorded foreign trade surpluses in three consecutive quarters.
“Foreign reserves have risen, and the Naira has strengthened against the US dollar, bringing greater stability. The stock market’s record growth has generated trillions of naira in wealth, and the surge in foreign investment reflects renewed confidence in our economy.
“Nevertheless, the cost of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many Nigerian households in 2024. In 2025, our government is committed to intensifying efforts to lower these costs by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies.
“We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people.”
…Assures of access to credit
The president said in 2025, his administration would further consolidate and increase access to credit for individuals and critical sectors of the economy to boost national economic output.
“To achieve this, the federal government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.
“The Company — expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter — is a partnership of government institutions, such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the private sector, and multilateral institutions.
“This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and better living standards for our people.
“On a personal note, thank you for placing your confidence in me as your president. Your trust humbles me, and I promise to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly.
“We will continue to embark on necessary reforms to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation. I seek your cooperation and collaboration at all times as we pursue our goal of a one trillion-dollar economy. Let us stay focused and united.
“We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone. Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion,” Tinubu said.
…Stresses need to be better citizens
The president also spoke on citizenship, stressing that to achieve national goals and objectives, Nigerians must become better citizens and uncompromising in devotion and allegiance to Nigeria.
He said: “Citizens’ moral rectitude and faith in our country are fundamental to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda. In 2025, we will commit to promoting adherence to ethical principles, shared values, and beliefs under the National Identity Project.
“I will unveil the National Values Charter, already approved by the Federal Executive Council, in the first quarter of 2025. I will launch an ambitious national orientation campaign that fosters patriotism and love for our country and inspires citizens to rally together.
“The Charter will promote mutual commitments between the government and citizens and foster trust and cooperation among our diverse population and between the government and the citizens.
“As far-reaching and foundational as our reforms are, they can produce the desired outcomes only through shared common values and identities and unconditional love for our country.
“The Youth Confab will begin in the first quarter of 2025, a testament to our commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders. The Ministry of Youth will soon announce the modalities for selecting the conference’s representatives from our diverse, youthful population.”
…On CNG initiative, agric, reforms
The president urged governors and local council chairpersons to work closely with the federal government and seize the emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock and tax reforms to move the country forward.
“I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport. I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition. The Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states,” he said.
The president also urged Nigerians to continue to believe in themselves and keep faith in the country.
“To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain over the past 19 months. I assure you they will not be in vain even in the months ahead. Together, let us stay the course of nation-building.
“The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.
…Bauchi assures security
Also, in a similar message, Bauchi state Governor Abdulkadir Bala Mohammed recalled that “like all other years, the year 2024 has had its challenges in the economic, political and social spheres of human life. To the glory of God Almighty, these challenges have been surmounted and here we are in the dawn of the new year, looking forward to a peaceful and prosperous 2025.”
While congratulating the good people of the state for overcoming the myriad of challenges in the outgone year, he said: “As a people, we have remained steadfast in the face of economic hardship that has made life unbearable.
“It is our trust in God and sustained prayers that made it possible for us to weather the storm. I would like to appeal for your continued patience and perseverance. On our part as a government, we will continue to provide palliative items to cushion the effect of the hardship and work towards finding lasting solution to it.
“It is gratifying to note that in spite of the paucity of funds, we have not relented in our drive towards the provision of infrastructural and Social facilities, especially in the areas of Roads Reconstruction, Mass Housing, Urban Renewal and Education. We have also recorded significant strides in reviving Agriculture, Economic Empowerment and Youth Development.”
“Let me assure you that as a Government, we will continue to improve on our performance and push the frontiers of progress for socio-economic and political development of our dear State. To this end, we will continue to deepen consultation, stake-holding and community engagement which are essential for good governance. This stakeholder ownership will emphasize the rights and obligations of the citizens. For emphasis also, we consider it the inalienable right of the people to hold Government accountable to the tax payer. We will also strive to honour the maxim of being our brothers’ keepers and to demonstrate, in word and indeed, that ours is a caring government that recognises the voter beyond the Election Day.
“We have also resolved to continue to maintain Security by remaining vigilant against the activities of criminal elements. I want to assure you that criminals and their collaborators will have no safe haven in Bauchi State. Government will continue to give security Agencies in the State the necessary support to effectively and efficiently deal with security challenges that might arise. I call on you all to also cooperate with security personnel by reporting suspicious movements or persons to them. I need not tell you that the fight against insecurity is a collective responsibility.
“Finally, I appeal for the prayers, cooperation and understanding of our Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Stakeholders and Politicians across party affiliations for peace, tranquility and prosperity to continue to reign supreme in Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole,” the governor added.