Tinubu also announced that more than 100,000 Nigerians have so far benefitted from the newly launched national consumer credit scheme, designed to empower citizens and support small businesses across the country.

President Bola Tinubu has claimed that his administration has spent N45.9billion in healthcare to upgrade 8800 primary health centres, improving maternal care and diagnostics in neglected Nigerian communities, though he failed to name the locations or states.

Tinubu also announced that more than 100,000 Nigerians have so far benefitted from the newly launched national consumer credit scheme, designed to empower citizens and support small businesses across the country.

The president made this known on Friday in Abuja during the 32nd Annual Meetings of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). 

He said the credit programme marks a significant step in driving financial inclusion and fostering enterprise growth.

He further disclosed that 400,000 additional Nigerians had already been enrolled for the next phase of the initiative, aimed at widening access to credit and boosting economic participation.

“We have spent N45.9billion in healthcare to upgrade 8800 primary health centres, improving maternal care and diagnostics in neglected communities. We are deploying thousands of fibre-optic cables to promote digital inclusion, bridging connectivity gaps and powering innovation."

President Tinubu highlighted that over 279 roads had been completed as part of ongoing infrastructure development, with an additional 65 currently under construction and 260 rural road projects already executed. 

He noted that major routes such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, and the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road are transforming national logistics and strengthening regional integration.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also commended Benedict Oramah for his leadership in advancing trade across Africa. 

He commended Oramah’s efforts in harnessing opportunities, unifying payment systems, and supporting key development initiatives in both the public and private sectors.

President Tinubu described this year’s meeting, themed “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience,” as both timely and deeply significant.

“Afrexim Bank, under Professor Benedict Oramah’s steadfast leadership, has grown its assets from 5 billion dollars to over 37 billion dollars. His decade of leadership saw the bank champion Africa’s pandemic response, drive industrialisation, and support the AfCFTA and the continent’s creative economy. His legacy is one of generational impact."

Professor Oramah, one of the founding leaders of Afreximbank since its inception in 1993, served as President and Chairman for a decade. During his tenure, the bank played a pivotal role in securing funding for 400 million Covid-19 vaccines to curb the pandemic in Africa and also made significant investments in agriculture, healthcare, and energy projects, including support for the Dangote Refinery.
President Bola Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria has received over $52 billion in support from Afreximbank.

“Nigeria has proudly benefitted from over 52 billion dollars in support, directed into energy, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, and creative industries. Flagship projects such as the Dangote and BUA Refineries, the African Medical Centre of Excellence, and the Africa Quality Assurance Centre embody confidence in Nigeria’s future and Africa’s potential.

“This partnership extends beyond capital. Nigeria’s formal approval of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is a significant step towards financial independence. PAPSS enables cross-border trade in local currencies, reducing reliance on foreign exchange and promoting economic stability. I urge all African nations to embrace PAPSS because deeper financial integration strengthens our collective resilience,” he said.

The president stated that Afrexim Bank was born out of Africa’s resolve to own its development since 1993, with over $250 billion mobilised for trade and development and $140 billion in the last decade alone.

“Nigeria’s collaboration with Afrexim Bank is expanding in scope and ambition. Together, we are launching the Africa Energy Bank, headquartered in Abuja, with 5 billion dollars in initial capital to finance Africa’s energy transition — leveraging gas, renewables, and clean technologies.

“We are scaling our fertiliser sector to 7.5 million tonnes annually, supported by Afrexim Bank, positioning Nigeria as Africa’s fertiliser hub and ensuring food security for the continent. Meanwhile, transformative projects such as the 3.5 billion dollar Bakassi Deep Seaport enhance trade infrastructure and market access.

“Through platforms like FEDA, AQAC, CANEX, and PAPSS, our partnership with Afrexim Bank is not just about financing. It’s about fostering African entrepreneurship, elevating quality standards, and scaling SMEs in creative and export-driven industries. Afrexim Bank is a strategic partner in co-creating the institutions, infrastructure, and innovations that will define Africa’s economic future,” he stated.

President Tinubu highlighted some of the gains made by the Nigerian economy through repositioning over the last two years.