By Samson Elijah
Copyright leadership
Federal government has asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s bold economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are yielding measurable and positive results in critical economic sectors.
At a world press conference in Abuja yesterday, the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said Nigerians are beginning to feel the impact of key policy interventions despite the short-term challenges.
He said this year’s celebration theme, “Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” called for a collective effort to build a prosperous and inclusive future for the country.”
According to the SGF, the administration’s tough decisions are stabilising the economy, rebuilding investors’ confidence and laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
“Inflationary pressures are beginning to ease, foreign investment inflows are on the rise, job creation initiatives are expanding opportunities for our youth, and social intervention programmes are being strengthened to cushion the effects of reforms on vulnerable groups,” Akume stated.
He said, “These gains, though modest, testify that the Renewed Hope Agenda is on course. With perseverance, even greater dividends will be realised.”
Akume emphasised that President Tinubu’s leadership has provided a clear direction for national renewal, saying, “It is an agenda that speaks to national rebirth, inclusivity, and sustainable progress, offering renewed hope to Nigerians—especially the youth, who are the future of this nation.”
He added that the independence anniversary theme is both a reminder and a charge to all citizens—irrespective of age, background, or profession—to contribute actively to nation-building.
“The responsibility of building a greater Nigeria lies with everyone—public servants and private entrepreneurs, teachers, farmers, professionals, security personnel, traders, artisans, and citizens at home and in the diaspora. All hands must truly be on deck,” he said.
Akume outlined key events for the anniversary celebrations, including the grand finale of the National Campus Debate today and a presidential broadcast scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
In his remarks, the minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, praised President Tinubu’s leadership for “dismantling stubborn cogs in the wheel of national progress.”
“As we mark 65 years since our independence from Great Britain, we are witnessing remarkable reforms taking shape at a pace never before seen,” Idris said. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing the needful—he is a committed, courageous, and visionary leader.”
The minister said the Renewed Hope Agenda is implemented through eight priority areas, forming the foundation for peace, prosperity, and unity. He stressed the importance of public participation in sustaining these reforms.
Highlighting some of the administration’s achievements, Idris noted that Nigeria’s trade surplus is growing, with the non-oil sector playing an increasingly prominent role.
“We are seeing declining inflation, a strengthening currency, falling food prices, and rising external reserves—clear indicators that the economy is on the right track,” he added.
The minister announced that in January 2026, Nigeria will begin implementing the Tax Acts Quartet, which aims to expand the country’s revenue base, simplify tax collection, and reduce the burden on citizens.
“These new tax laws represent a significant leap forward for the Nigerian economy and will support business, entrepreneurship, and investment,” he said.
He added that, with increased revenue from the reforms, the administration invests significantly in key sectors, including health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and security.
He revealed that over 500,000 students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education are already benefitting from the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which covers tuition and living expenses.
Idris described ongoing infrastructure projects as part of a “transport revolution.” He listed the flagship Presidential Legacy Highways, which include: “1,068km Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, 750km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, 477km Trans-Saharan Highway, spanning Calabar, Ebonyi, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, and the FCT, 422km Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Expressway.
He also highlighted major rail projects such as the Kano–Kaduna Standard Gauge Railway and the rehabilitation of the Eastern Corridor from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
In the power sector, Idris noted the revival of the 255MW Kaduna Power Plant, progress on the Presidential Power Initiative (Siemens project), and the Presidential Metering Initiative, which aims to install 7 million smart meters by 2027.
He further highlighted the DARES project—a $750 million World Bank-supported initiative to provide off-grid, renewable electricity to more than 17.5 million Nigerians.
On healthcare, Idris said three world-class oncology centres have been commissioned at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina (FTHK), and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH).
He added that three additional centres are nearing completion at: “Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH).
Addressing criticism about uneven development, the Minister maintained that the Tinubu administration is fully committed to inclusive growth.
“The distribution of capital projects is equitable. No region is being sidelined or left behind,” Idris asserted.
He said the creation of five new regional development commissions and a dedicated ministry for regional development reflects the administration’s people-centred approach.
Idris emphasised that while challenges remain, the country’s trajectory is promising under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He urged all Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and committed to building a greater nation.
“Let us never lose faith in our country. With all hands on deck, we can realise the Nigeria of our dreams,” Idris said.
