President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to ignore a tiny section of the population that would not see anything good in his socio economic reformation drive.
In his New Year message today, January 1, President Tinubu said: “I seek your cooperation and collaboration at all times as we pursue our goal of a one trillion-dollar economy. Let us stay focused and united.
“We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone. Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion.”
The President sees hopes, aspirations and prospects for better days in 2025, saying: “by the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfill our collective desires.”
He acknowledged that 2024 posed numerous challenges to the citizens and households, but expressed confidence that the New Year will bring brighter days.
According to him, economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for the nation, noting that so far fuel prices have gradually decreased, as the nation recorded foreign trade surpluses in three consecutive quarters.
“Foreign reserves have risen, and the Naira has strengthened against the US dollar, bringing greater stability.
“The stock market’s record growth has generated trillions of naira in wealth, and the surge in foreign investment reflects renewed confidence in our economy.
“Nevertheless, the cost of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many Nigerian households in 2024.
Tinubu promised that in 2025, his government would be committed to intensifying efforts to lower these costs by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies.
“We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people.”
The President promised to establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.
“The Company—expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter—is a partnership of government institutions, such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the private sector, and multilateral institutions.
“This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and better living standards for our people.
President Tinubu who thanked Nigerians for placing their confidence in him as President, stressing that their trust had humbled him.
“I promise to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly,” he said, adding that he would continue to embark on necessary reforms to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation.
” To achieve our national goals and objectives, we must become better citizens and uncompromising in our devotion and allegiance to Nigeria.
“Citizens’ moral rectitude and faith in our country are fundamental to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“In 2025, we will commit to promoting adherence to ethical principles, shared values, and beliefs under the National Identity Project.
“I will unveil the National Values Charter, already approved by the Federal Executive Council, in the first quarter of 2025.
“I will launch an ambitious national orientation campaign that fosters patriotism and love for our country and inspires citizens to rally together.
“The Charter will promote mutual commitments between the government and citizens and foster trust and cooperation among our diverse population and between the government and the citizens.
“As far-reaching and foundational as our reforms are, they can produce the desired outcomes only through shared common values and identities and unconditional love for our country.
“The Youth Confab will begin in the first quarter of 2025, a testament to our commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders. “The Ministry of Youth will soon announce the modalities for selecting the conference’s representatives from our diverse, youthful population.”
Tinubu asked Nigerians to continue to believe in themselves and keeping faith in the country, even as he called on State governors and local council chairpersons to work closely with the central government to seize emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms and move our nation forward.
“I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport.
“I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition. The Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states.”
