Information minister Mohammed Idris says the federal government is committed to strengthening national security for the peace and prosperity of the country.
The minister said this while giving an overview of the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration across key sectors since the assumption of office on May 29.
The minister, who addressed a world press conference on Thursday in Abuja, said the security forces had recorded significant gains towards making the country more secure, claiming Mr Tinubu has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the insecurity.
The minister stressed that Mr Tinubu recognised the urgency of the situation and has made the fight against insecurity a top priority of the administration.
“The Nigerian Air Force a few months ago took delivery of four new aircraft to strengthen the fight against banditry and terrorism. President Tinubu is working tirelessly to ensure our security apparatus is well-equipped, motivated, and strategically positioned to protect our nation from external and internal threats.
“Comprehensive strategies are being implemented to address the root causes of these issues and ensure a safer, more secure Nigeria,” Mr Idris explained.
He also said the government had boosted agriculture to achieve food security and unlock energy and natural resources for sustainable development.
The minister said the government was also determined to enhance infrastructure and transportation as growth enablers and focus on education, health and social investment.
According to him, the focus is in line with the president’s eight-point ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
He said the target was to build a more just and equitable Nigeria and reform the economy to deliver sustainable, inclusive growth.
“It will also accelerate diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation, and improve governance for effective service delivery,” Mr Idris added.
According to him, the 2023 supplementary budget of N2.1 trillion and the 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion were anchored on realising the ambitious and transformative objectives of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
He acknowledged the challenges brought about by the removal of fuel subsidy but said the bold and strategic move was to free resources and channel them where they matter most, thereby impacting sectors critical to national development.
Mr Idris said this would bolster key areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, humanitarian aid, security, and others that directly influence the well-being and prosperity of citizens.
“This move is not without its challenges, but it signifies our unwavering commitment to making difficult decisions in the interest of the greater good. It aligns with our vision for a Nigeria that thrives on efficiency, transparency, and responsible governance.
“Fuel subsidy removal is a crucial step towards a more sustainable economic future, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that the benefits of this decision are felt by all citizens,” he added.
(NAN)