Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said Nigeria is making steady progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with economic reforms beginning to lay the foundation for growth, job creation and shared prosperity.
Idris stated this on Saturday in Abuja during the World Press Conference held to kick off activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
He said Independence Day is more than a celebration of Nigeria’s freedom from colonial rule, describing it as a time for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey and renew their commitment to building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
According to the minister, the Tinubu administration inherited serious fiscal and structural challenges but chose to confront them through bold reforms instead of delaying difficult decisions.
He acknowledged that many Nigerians have made sacrifices since the reforms began but expressed confidence that the country is now beginning to see positive results.
Idris said, “Today, however, Nigeria is moving from reform and stabilisation towards growth, production and shared prosperity. GDP growth is strengthening, our external position has improved, domestic refining capacity has expanded, and investment and productive activity are gaining momentum.”
He explained that the government’s next priority is to ensure that the benefits of the reforms are felt in the daily lives of Nigerians through more employment opportunities, improved incomes, affordable credit, better education and reduced cost of living.
The minister said the Renewed Hope Agenda is driving investments in roads, agriculture, energy, education, digital skills and enterprise development to support sustainable economic growth.
He noted that student loans are helping more young Nigerians access higher education, while consumer credit schemes are creating opportunities for individuals and businesses.
Idris added that ongoing reforms in agriculture, livestock, solid minerals and the oil and gas sector are designed to boost local production and reduce dependence on imports.
He stressed, “The principle is simple: Nigeria must increasingly produce what it consumes, process what it extracts, and create opportunities from its abundant human and natural resources.”
The minister also said national development cannot be achieved without peace and security.
According to him, “The administration continues to strengthen our security architecture while insisting that the authority of the state must always be exercised within the law.”
He urged government institutions, the media and citizens to play their respective roles in strengthening democracy and national unity.
Idris said, “Government must communicate truthfully and remain accountable. The media must uphold accuracy, fairness, balance and verification. Citizens must have reliable information with which to make their own democratic choices.”
He noted that despite several challenges since independence, Nigeria has remained united because of the resilience and determination of its people.
The minister expressed optimism that the country is on the path to greater progress and called on Nigerians to continue supporting efforts aimed at building a better future.
He said, “There is progress to acknowledge, challenges to overcome, and much work still ahead. Our responsibility is to hand the next generation a Nigeria that is more prosperous, more secure, more united and more confident than the one we inherited.”
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