Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said Nigeria is entering a new phase of economic growth and shared prosperity following key reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at the #NigeriaAt66 World Press Conference in Abuja on Saturday, Idris said the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary offers Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s journey and renew their commitment to building a more prosperous, secure and united country.
He said although the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration came with difficult sacrifices, they were necessary to address long-standing economic and structural challenges.
According to him, “Today, however, Nigeria is moving from reform and stabilisation towards growth, production and shared prosperity. GDP growth is strengthening, our external position has improved, domestic refining capacity has expanded, and investment and productive activity are gaining momentum.”
The minister added that the next stage is to ensure that ordinary Nigerians benefit from the reforms through better jobs, higher incomes, affordable credit, quality education and lower living costs.
He said the Renewed Hope Agenda is supporting these goals through investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, energy, digital skills and enterprise development.
Idris said student loans are expanding access to education, while consumer credit is creating more economic opportunities for citizens. He added that major road projects and reforms in agriculture, livestock, solid minerals, oil and gas are helping to increase production and encourage local value addition.
He stressed, “The principle is simple: Nigeria must increasingly produce what it consumes, process what it extracts, and create opportunities from its abundant human and natural resources.”
The minister also said lasting economic development depends on security, justice and national unity.
According to him, “The administration continues to strengthen our security architecture while insisting that the authority of the state must always be exercised within the law.”
Speaking on the role of the media and citizens, Idris urged all stakeholders to contribute to nation-building by promoting truth, accountability and responsible public engagement.
He said, “Government must communicate truthfully and remain accountable. The media must uphold accuracy, fairness, balance and verification. Citizens must have reliable information with which to make their own democratic choices.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s independence, the minister said October 1 remains a significant date because it honours the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and reminds every generation of its duty to strengthen the nation.
He noted that despite many challenges over the past 66 years, Nigeria has remained united because of the resilience of its people and their belief in a common destiny.
Idris concluded that while there is still much work to be done, there is also measurable progress that should encourage Nigerians to continue supporting efforts aimed at building a stronger and more prosperous country.
He said, “There is progress to acknowledge, challenges to overcome, and much work still ahead. Our responsibility is to hand the next generation a Nigeria that is more prosperous, more secure, more united and more confident than the one we inherited.”
