Emmanuel Daudu
The Federal Government has declared 2025 as a year of consolidation, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration builds on the significant progress made since assuming office.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, made this announcement at a Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, highlighting key achievements over the past 19 months.
“This inaugural briefing for 2025 serves as a moment of reflection on how far we have come and the transformative strides we continue to make under President Tinubu’s leadership,” Idris stated.
The Minister outlined notable milestones across governance, economy, security, and infrastructure.
Economic and Fiscal Reforms
Fuel Subsidy Removal: Ending the subsidy has saved Nigeria hundreds of billions of Naira annually, redirecting funds to critical sectors.
Foreign Exchange Stability: The Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) has stabilized the forex market, cleared billions in backlog payments, and improved investor confidence. The Naira recently hit an eight-month high in the official market.
Oil and Gas Investment Boom: Nigeria attracted over $5 billion in Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) in 2024, making it Africa’s top investment destination in the sector.
Electricity Sector Reforms: The 2024 Electricity Act enables state governments to develop and regulate their electricity markets, expanding power access.
Local Government Autonomy: A Supreme Court ruling in July 2024 granted local governments financial independence, with an Inter-Ministerial Committee ensuring implementation.
Targeted Social and Economic Interventions
Students Loan Fund (NELFUND): Over 169,000 students have received N32.8 billion in tuition and upkeep support.
Regional Development: New Development Commissions have been established for the North-Central, South-East, and North-West regions, alongside the creation of a Federal University of Environmental Technology.
Healthcare Investments: The Federal Executive Council approved $1.07 billion from the World Bank for health programs, including targeted subsidies for cancer patients.
Passport Processing Reforms: Over 200,000 international passport backlogs were cleared within three weeks in 2024.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Expansion: The government has invested over $450 million in developing Nigeria’s CNG value chain to reduce dependence on petrol.
Infrastructure Development
Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has become a hub of construction activity, with major projects receiving significant funding:
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway – N1.334 trillion
Access roads to the Second Niger Bridge – N470.9 billion
Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction – N195 billion
Security and Defence Enhancements
Over 8,000 terrorists and bandits neutralized and 8,000 kidnapped victims rescued in 2024.
A Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell was established in partnership with the UK’s National Crime Agency to combat abductions.
Food Security and Agriculture
The newly established Ministry of Livestock Development is driving agricultural reforms, leading to lower grain prices and unlocking multi-billion-dollar opportunities in livestock farming.
2025 Budget: A Focus on Growth and Stability
President Tinubu’s N54.2 trillion “Budget of Restoration” prioritizes:
Security – N4.91 trillion
Infrastructure – N4.06 trillion
Education – N3.52 trillion
Health – N2.48 trillion
Minister reiterated that these reforms are strengthening Nigeria’s economy, improving fiscal capacity, and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
“We are witnessing a transformation one that renews hope for all Nigerians, regardless of age or background,” he concluded.
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