President Bola Tinubu has mentioned that he expects resistance from smugglers and those who benefit from subsidies during his administration. However, he has also stated that he is allocating resources to the most important areas that significantly impact the welfare of Nigerians. He emphasized that the national treasury is a sacred resource and must not be misused.
“As we are fighting corruption, smugglers, and old subsidy beneficiaries, they most certainly will fight back. All those who falsified records and became losers with the subsidy (on petroleum products) removal, will fight back.”
“But we will defend our people. The treasury belongs to the people, and that sacred trust must not be abused.”
During a meeting with the Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja on Friday, the President emphasized that his government is committed to enhancing the living conditions of Nigerians. He urged the grassroots leaders to motivate the citizens to obtain their National Identification Number (NIN) as it will aid in planning, structuring interventions, and enable them to benefit fully from various relief programs.
“The program of our government will be truly progressive; student loans, a national consumer credit system, and social welfare for the unemployed, as well as graduates. Every Nigerian will find a place of belonging in our country. In the eye of even the biggest hurricane, we will find that place of tranquillity and prosperous harmony for the benefit of all. Nigerians will all partake on this national journey to prosperity,’’ the President said.
During a meeting with state party chairmen, led by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, President Tinubu emphasized the central role of agriculture in expanding and accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth. He informed the chairmen that his government has already developed a blueprint for large-scale livestock farming, which will be implemented soon.
“We are bringing mechanized farming to the fore. Yesterday’s crisis will become today’s opportunity. Fertilizers are being supplied to farmers as we speak. Agriculture and economic diversification provide the answers to our problems. We will not continue to import food. We know how to turn lack into abundance, and the world will watch us do it again,’’ the President said.
President Tinubu stressed that repositioning the economy is a national priority. He urged party members to bring good governance and civic engagement to Nigerians without waiting for an appointment.
“I urge the state chairmen that regardless of party affiliation, let us help citizens by mobilizing them for NIN registration. Not just PVCs. Some are poor Nigerians who have not experienced formal education and have no understanding of what NIN is and how it will benefit their lives. We must teach them. We must care for them.
“Without NIN, we can not embark on social security interventions for the vulnerable. We will be making faulty moves without accurate data and iron-clad, digital intervention structures. I have established a committee of governors, and it is headed by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. It is working on what must be done to further lift our people.
“We need to give hope, and we are giving it to the country and our citizens. We are working hard, day and night, even though some agents of destabilization are present in the polity. Nigerians, with our focused support, shall defeat them,” the President affirmed.
