Back Tinubu’s reforms, minister urges Niger APC leaders

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Niger State to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration and help consolidate its reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Idris made the call on Thursday in Abuja when chairmen of the APC in the 25 local government areas of Niger State paid him a solidarity visit.

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The minister said the administration had recorded gains in the economy, security, infrastructure, education and human capital development, urging the party leaders to maintain unity and support the continuation of the reforms.

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“All of us must join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu so that he can consolidate on the gains that we have already achieved and put Nigeria on a sound economic footing,” Idris said.

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He noted that Tinubu inherited a difficult economic and security situation when he assumed office in May 2023, adding that the country’s economic foundation was under severe pressure while insecurity had adversely affected the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.

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“It is very easy to forget where we were coming from, but today that situation has changed significantly. We now have the fiscal headroom to undertake the developmental projects that Nigerians are seeing across the country,” he said.

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Idris attributed the increased fiscal space to the removal of the petrol subsidy, saying the policy had created additional resources for the Federal Government and state governments to invest in agriculture, roads, healthcare, education and youth development.

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He also said the administration’s reforms were restoring investor confidence, pointing to the return of investors and improved capacity of foreign businesses operating in Nigeria to repatriate their earnings.

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The minister listed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway among major infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Federal Government.

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He added that road construction was ongoing in various parts of the country. On insecurity, Idris acknowledged that challenges remained but said the country was making gradual progress towards restoring normalcy.

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“Are we yet there? No. Do we still have challenges? Yes. But are we seeing a progressive journey towards the restoration of normalcy in this country? Yes,” he said.

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The minister also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, saying more than one million young Nigerians had benefited from the scheme through access to funding for tertiary education, including tuition and upkeep.

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Idris said the Federal Government was also expanding opportunities in agriculture, the non-oil sector and solid minerals, while regional development commissions were being used to address development needs across the country.

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He urged the APC leaders to resolve internal disagreements through dialogue and remain focused on strengthening the administration and sustaining its development agenda.

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According to him, the progress recorded since 2023 had provided a foundation for greater achievements. “Any attempt to take us back to those times of uncertainty must be rejected by all Nigerians,” he said.

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Responding, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Chairmen of the APC in the 25 local government areas of Niger State, Hashimu Izom, congratulated Idris on his appointment and commended him for representing the state at the Federal level.

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Izom also praised the minister for promoting unity in Niger State and supporting projects and initiatives benefiting the state.

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“We are proud of you, not because you are Mohammed Idris Malagi, but because you are a bona fide Nigerite who stands everywhere to defend Mr President and represents Niger State even at the national level,” he said.

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