The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has highlighted key achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including major strides in education, security, and economic reforms.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja yesterday, Idris stated that 169,000 students had received ₦32.8 billion in tuition and upkeep allowances through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)—a flagship initiative of the Tinubu administration.
Breakdown of Student Loan Disbursement:
- ₦20 billion allocated for school fees
- ₦12.8 billion for students’ upkeep
The student loan program, one of President Tinubu’s major campaign promises, aims to provide financial support to students and enhance access to education.
Security Gains: 8,000 Terrorists Neutralized, 8,000 Kidnap Victims Rescued
Idris also provided updates on security improvements, revealing that in 2024, the armed forces:
- Neutralized over 8,000 terrorists and bandits
- Arrested 11,600 criminal suspects
- Recovered more than 10,000 weapons
- Rescued 8,000 kidnap victims
He said notorious highways, including the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, are now safer, and efforts to combat insecurity remain a top priority.
Additionally, he noted that the Lakurawa armed group had been designated a terrorist organization, allowing security forces to apply maximum force against them.
Economic Reforms: Naira Strengthens, Foreign Investments Rise
The minister outlined key economic improvements, citing the removal of petrol subsidies as a major step that blocked billions of naira in leakages.
Other economic highlights include:
- Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) introduced in December 2023 to enhance transparency in forex transactions.
- Clearance of billions of dollars in forex backlogs, boosting investor confidence.
- The Naira reached an eight-month high in the official market.
- Foreign capital inflows into the Nigerian Stock Exchange rose from 4% (mid-2023) to 16% (end-2024).
Food Security and Inflation Control
Addressing food security, Idris said the government was boosting agricultural production rather than imposing price controls.
"Once you have whatever you need in abundance, the price will automatically come down," he explained.
The government remains committed to lowering the cost of commodities through massive agricultural investments.
Oil & Gas Investment Milestones
Nigeria was ranked the most attractive destination for oil and gas investments in Africa in 2024, securing over $5 billion in Final Investment Decisions (FIDs).
Ministers to Present Scorecards Ahead of Tinubu’s Second Anniversary
Idris announced that President Tinubu had directed all ministers to present their scorecards to Nigerians in the coming months.
The ministerial briefings will run weekly for the next three months as the administration prepares to mark its second anniversary.
Describing 2025 as a year of consolidation, Idris reaffirmed the government’s focus on sustaining economic growth, security improvements, and social development.
