Abuja: The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says as the country approaches the 2027 general elections, Nigerians will assess the Federal Government’s reforms of recent years by their impact on everyday life. Idris made this statement at the North Central Stakeholders’ Development Summit, themed: ‘The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Idris emphasized the administration’s focus on stabilizing the economy by improving infrastructure, increasing electricity generation, boosting food production, and attracting investment. The government’s efforts also include expanding manufacturing, adding value to Nigerian resources, and developing human capital to support private enterprises nationwide.
Idris highlighted that the removal of the petroleum subsidy, alongside other reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu, was essential in transitioning away from an economic model that heavily consumed public resources without generating adequate productive capacity. The subsidy removal, he noted, has provided economic space for both federal and local governments to implement development projects.
He pointed out that before the reforms, 27 of the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, struggled to meet salary obligations for their workers. The new policies have enabled governments to access additional resources necessary for development and support of the administration’s objectives.
The minister underscored the potential benefits for the North Central region in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, mining, and human capital development. He mentioned the importance of highways connecting farms to markets, local mineral processing, and hydroelectric resource development to create an integrated regional economy.
Idris stressed the necessity of adequate security to sustain economic and infrastructural initiatives. The Tinubu administration has bolstered the national security architecture by recruiting more personnel into the armed forces and police, increasing military divisions, and improving the remuneration of security personnel.
He cited the rescue of 308 abducted Nigerians in Kwara and Niger states during a coordinated operation as evidence of the administration’s security efforts. This operation involved various security agencies and highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation and intelligence.
While acknowledging that security operations alone cannot guarantee peace, Idris emphasized complementary measures like early warning systems, community engagement, and economic opportunities to deter young people from engaging in violence.
The minister advocated for the establishment of state police to enhance local security and urged support for regional development commissions to convert regional economic advantages into sustainable development.
Idris mentioned significant infrastructure projects in the North Central region, such as the Buruku overhead bridge, Makurdi-Boko Road, and the expansion of the Mararaba-Keffi corridor. These projects aim to improve connectivity and economic activity across regions.
President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, declared the summit open, committing continued political and financial support to regional development commissions. The president encouraged exploring alternative financing sources and underscored the importance of the summit’s 20-year development plan to transform the North Central region.
Tinubu urged stakeholders to ensure the development plan aligns with the aspirations of the people and the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing the need for action rather than mere report generation.