President Bola Tinubu has made it clear to Nigerians that he has fulfilled his campaign promises which he made in 2022 before he was voted in, to lead the country.
Delivering a speech to accept his nomination as flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 presidential election, Tinubu said: “We promised an improved power supply and an end to estimated billing. In the past three years, we have closed the metering gap by supplying 2.5 million meters via the Presidential Metering Initiative. We have established a N4 trillion bond programme to settle verified legacy debts owed to GENCOs and GASCOs. Under our administration, power generation sometimes peaked at 6000MW, 50 per cent higher than we had inherited. Our strategy is focused on redesigning the power sector into a bankable, investable, and capable sector that delivers power to homes and industries.”
He said that since that night in June 2022, a lot has changed, adding that the political landscape has evolved even as the electoral reforms have strengthened the credibility of our democy.
“Our economy has undergone significant structural reform, supported by new tax laws and fiscal policies that have boosted revenue collection for the federation.
“We promised to remove the financial barriers to higher education for our youth. Today, we have established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with over N282 billion disbursed and over 1.5 million beneficiaries.
“We moved away from wasteful fuel subsidies, unstable exchange rates, and weak infrastructure. Today, we are witnessing a turnaround: the naira is strengthening, foreign reserves are rising, and our economic outlook is positive despite the inflationary disruption caused by the war in Iran and the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East. We have strengthened macroeconomic stability through improved revenue performance, financial management, and better fiscal coordination.
“We have prioritised infrastructure across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation as engines for inclusive growth. We are building concrete, durable roads and superhighways along the coast and on the Sokoto-Badagry route that will last for over 100 years. We are improving our airports and seaports after decades of neglect. We have reformed the oil and gas sector and are attracting billions of dollars in fresh investment in a sector that was almost comatose.
“Our social investment and human capital programmes target vulnerable households, youth, women, and small businesses. In addition, we are reclaiming our national values and ethos anchored on unity and the unbroken bond of togetherness. While our founding and now revived national anthem recognises our diversity, it reminds us of the work we need to do to forge a stronger and more perfect union. “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand”: As Nigerians, we must continue to stand together for our country against all forces that seek to divide us.”
President Tinubu admitted however that despite the achievements, challenges remain.with many Nigerians still struggling with rising costs and economic adjustment.
“We do not dismiss these concerns; we understand them and govern not in comfort, but in reality—with honesty and action.
“I also acknowledge the security challenges still confronting parts of our beloved nation. I assure you that I take seriously the responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of every Nigerian. Our government has intensified efforts to strengthen our security architecture, support our brave armed forces and the police, and forge stronger partnerships with local communities. “We have invested in intelligence, surveillance, and modern equipment, and we are addressing the root causes of insecurity. We also expect the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the creation of State police as a matter of national emergency.”
The president assured that he would not rest until peace and stability are restored to every corner of the country. “Our resolve is unwavering, and our goal is clear: a Nigeria where every citizen can live, work, and aspire without fear. As leaders and members of this great party, we should all be proud of what we have achieved for our country since our party took over governance in 2015, and of the outstanding economic progress we have recorded in the last three years of my administration. However, the work we began is unfinished.”
