By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says President Bola Tinubu has acquitted himself creditably over the past two years by implementing bold reforms targeted at repositioning Nigeria’s economy.

“At the onset of the administration, two very important policy decisions were taken; the unification of the exchange rate and the removal of fuel subsidy.

“These were issues that have been there for decades and of course, you don’t expect that you are going to have a major surgery without pains.

“That pain is gradually easing out. We are not saying that all the pains have disappeared by now, but what we are saying is that the government is on the right track,” he said.

The minister emphasised that Tinubu was not driven by the pursuit of quick fixes or short-term gains, but rather by a clear vision to lay a solid foundation for enduring growth and development.

He said the president’s ultimate goal was to leave behind a lasting legacy that would benefit future generations and reposition Nigeria for long-term prosperity.

“Mr President is not in this for just a small fix; it’s not cosmetic; it’s the foundation that we are rebuilding.

“We are taking down what was not working and putting a solid foundation so that our economy can grow.

“There is steady progression towards the destination and the prosperity that Mr President has promised Nigerians,” he stated.

Idris highlighted key initiatives of the administration, including the student loan scheme, “which has enrolled over 300,000 beneficiaries.

“The establishment of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation to facilitate access to household and essential items.

“The implementation of a new National Minimum Wage aimed at improving the living conditions of Nigerian workers.

“This is a government that is investing in agriculture; education; resetting the economy and making the sub-nationals to have more resources to build infrastructure for their people.

“This is a government that is building health care centres across the country; building dialysis centres in the six geopolitical zones and investing in medical industrialisation, creative industry and putting more resources in the digital sector,” he said.

According to the minister, under the current administration, there exists a strong and unwavering political will to confront and overcome the security challenges facing the nation.

He emphasised that Tinubu had demonstrated decisive leadership by adopting a unique and proactive approach to national security.

Idris said the president had prioritised synergy and coordination among the military and security agencies, thereby fostering a unified front in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities.

Idris further noted that the president had issued clear and direct orders to the armed forces to take all necessary measures to restore peace and security across the country, reaffirming his commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.

He expressed confidence that Tinubu would tackle the security challenges in Benue and all other parts of the country.

“First and foremost, our hearts go out to those who lost their lives and the bereaved. It’s an unfortunate situation.

“We shouldn’t have that happening in Nigeria, but this has happened over and over again but what is different now is the kind of response we are seeing from Mr President.

“Tinubu went to Benue with the full weight of his administration, and you could see the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff and all those who matter in making sure that this problem is stamped out once and for all.

“And mark you, the president has given marching orders to security apparatus to ‘get them out’”, he said.

The minister also assured that Tinubu remained committed to strengthening diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries and enhancing border security through the strategic deployment of technology. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa