As Nigeria approaches its 64th Independence Day, the Federal Government has celebrated 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, recognizing it as a testament to the resilience and commitment of the Nigerian people to uphold freedom and liberty.
The announcement came during a World Press Briefing in Abuja on Thursday, September 26, led by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Idris reflected on Nigeria’s journey since gaining independence in 1960, emphasizing the nation’s evolution into a leading force in Africa despite facing numerous challenges.
He stated, “Our democracy, now unbroken for a quarter of a century, stands as a testament to the will of the Nigerian people to attain and sustain freedom and liberty for posterity.”
The Minister commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its transformative reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy amid global challenges. He highlighted several key initiatives, including the push for local government autonomy, which he described as crucial for rural development. Idris noted that Tinubu had sought a Supreme Court verdict to implement this autonomy, marking a significant step toward grassroots governance.
Economic reforms were also a focal point of the briefing. Idris pointed to the removal of the petroleum subsidy as a catalyst for transitioning to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which aims to reduce transportation costs and attract investments. The government is also focused on stabilizing the macroeconomic environment by reforming the tax system and diversifying revenue sources.
In education, the newly established Nigerian Education Loan Fund, created through the Student Loans Act of 2024, was highlighted as a means to improve access to tertiary education for young Nigerians. Idris reassured citizens that the current economic challenges would yield positive results in the long run, stating, “There is light at the end of the tunnel. Our sacrifices will not be in vain.”
The briefing also addressed progress in tackling insecurity and a steady decline in inflation, alongside efforts to support small businesses through financial incentives. Idris called on Nigerians to unite and commit to building a nation that serves as a beacon for black people globally.
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, emphasized the significant achievements of the Tinubu administration that have positively impacted citizens’ daily lives. He mentioned initiatives such as the Presidential CNG Initiative, which aims to ease transportation difficulties, and the retrofitting of CNG trains to reduce travel costs.
Akume also noted that over 22,120 students had benefited from the Nigerian Students Loan Fund, which has disbursed N2.5 billion to support higher education access for underprivileged students. He acknowledged ongoing challenges related to insecurity but asserted that the government is enhancing the capacity of security agencies to address these issues effectively.
Additionally, Akume addressed the impact of flooding in various states, assuring citizens that the government is learning from these events and implementing strategies to prevent future occurrences. He reiterated that the President is aware of the economic situation and is committed to creating new opportunities in both the short and long term.
The press briefing marks the beginning of a series of events leading up to Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day on October 1, 2024, celebrating the nation’s journey and ongoing commitment to democracy.
