The Federal Government has commended Nigerians for their perseverance and patience in the face of economic difficulties, assuring that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
Mr. Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, made this statement at a news conference on Thursday to announce the activities commemorating Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.
Idris acknowledged the challenges Nigerians have faced, saying, “The journey has been tough, but surely there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
He noted that Nigeria has demonstrated resilience and strength throughout its history, overcoming numerous trials and emerging stronger each time.
Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the government has implemented transformative policies and reforms aimed at correcting past mistakes and positioning Nigeria as an economic powerhouse.
Idris highlighted President Tinubu’s initiative to transition Nigeria from fossil fuels to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles and machinery, expected to reduce transportation costs by up to 60%, create jobs, and attract significant investments.
The minister also highlighted the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act 2024, which established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and the Consumer Credit Corporation, providing access to low-cost consumer credit.
Idris thanked Nigerians for their resilience and urged collective effort towards peace, unity, and stability. “Together, we will build a nation that will be the pride of every black man on the planet.”
He said: “Despite global economic headwinds and the transitional pains accompanying some of the reforms, the President has remained focused in his efforts towards reviving our economy and returning the country to the path of prosperity and sustainable growth.
The minister further stated that following the removal of the petroleum subsidy, President Tinubu was “gradually guiding Nigeria into an unprecedented energy transition phase, launching a presidential initiative to move the country from fossil fuels to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a fuel for vehicles and machinery.”
He also noted: “The ongoing rollout of CNG and associated infrastructure is reducing transportation costs for Nigerians by up to 60 percent, creating jobs, and attracting tens of millions of dollars in local and foreign investment.
“The young people of Nigeria now have a clearer path to sustainable tertiary education through the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act 2024, which has established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
“Complementing this is the new Consumer Credit Corporation, established to guarantee access to low-cost and flexible consumer credit.
“In multiple ways, the President is focused on putting more money in the pockets of the Nigerian people and creating avenues for sustainable prosperity.
“Let me now use this opportunity to thank Nigerians for your patience and resilience in this very difficult period in the evolution of our economy. The journey has been tough, but surely there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our sacrifices will not be in vain.
“Amid these challenging times, we should never underplay the emerging shoots of progress, whether it is the growing success of our military against bandits and criminals, or the drop in inflation for a second consecutive month, or the mounting testimonials from delighted beneficiaries of business grants, student loans, and CNG vehicle conversions, among others.
“Let us continue to remind ourselves that we share the collective task of striving for the peace, unity, and stability of this great country of ours. Together, we will build a nation that will be the pride of every black man on the planet.”
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