President Bola Tinubu, in his New Year message on Wednesday, January 1, encouraged Nigerians to be patriotic in their dealings as he called for a better national allegiance.
Tinubu commended Nigerians for placing trust in him as their president, while promising to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly.
The president also appealed to Nigerians to shun side distractions that are capable of undermining the nation’s growth and development, noting that while the nation continues to stay on the right course to prosperity, some persons “still see things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region and religion.”
“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," he said
“To achieve our national goals and objectives, we must become better citizens and uncompromising in our devotion and allegiance to Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
The President also stressed his administration’s commitment to facilitate significant economic reforms for sustainable growth.
“On a personal note, thank you for placing your confidence in me as your president. Your trust humbles me, and I promise to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly.
”We will continue to embark on necessary reforms to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation. 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,” Tinubu said
“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 president urged.
Tinubu also assured Nigerians of his resolve to boost food production and reduce inflation on food and drugs to 15 per cent, while strengthening the economy in 2025.
He said the year 2025 would bring brighter days for all Nigerians, adding that his government would fulfil the collective desires of Nigerians.
He said though 2024 posed numerous challenges, he was confident that the New Year would bring brighter days.
“Economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for our nation. Fuel prices have gradually decreased, and we 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,” he said.
The president, however, said the cost of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many Nigerian households in 2024.
He gave an assurance that his government would intensify efforts to lower these costs by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies.
The president promised to reduce inflation from its current high rate of 34.6 per cent to 15 per cent.
He said with diligent work and God’s help, his government would achieve this goal and provide relief to all Nigerians.
“In this new year, my administration will further consolidate and increase access to credit for individuals and critical sectors of the economy to boost national economic output.
“To achieve this, the Federal Government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises,” he said.
The president said the company was expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter, adding that it would be a partnership of government institutions.
The institutions, he said, would include Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, Ministry of Finance Incorporated as well as private sector and multilateral organisations.
The president expressed optimism that this initiative would strengthen the financial system, expand credit access and support under-served groups such as women and youths.
He said it would also drive growth, re-industrialisation and better living standards for Nigerians.
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