In a New Year broadcast, President Bola Tinubu openly acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians and pledged unwavering commitment to address the rising cost of living, high inflation, and an unacceptable under-employment rate that has plagued the nation.
The President, who assumed office seven months ago, emphasized the need for drastic decisions to save the country and steer it towards prosperity.
Tinubu admitted that some of his decisions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and changes to the foreign exchange system, caused discomfort among citizens.
However, he firmly stated their necessity, asserting that these measures were crucial to safeguard Nigeria from fiscal catastrophe.
Expressing empathy for citizens from the boardrooms of Lagos to the main streets of Kano and the creeks of Bayelsa, President Tinubu assured the nation that he hears the struggles of hardworking Nigerians providing for their families.
He directly addressed the frustrations of compatriots, assuring them that every decision, trip, and action he has taken since assuming office has been in the best interest of the country.
Tinubu declared, “I am aware that Nigerians suffer. The time may be rough and tough; however, our spirit must remain unbowed because tough times never last.
We are made for this period, never to flinch, never to falter.” He urged citizens to channel their collective energy into resolving to work better for the good of the nation in the face of socio-economic challenges.
President Tinubu unveiled a comprehensive agenda for 2024, focusing on initiatives to accelerate service delivery, enhance peace and security nationwide, and address economic disparities.
He highlighted plans to improve electricity, fuel refining, food production, the business environment, wages, and the standard of living.
Tinubu disclosed key collaborations, including an agreement with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to accelerate the Siemens electricity project under the Presidential Power Initiative.
Recognizing the vital role of steady electricity supply in economic transformation, he affirmed ongoing projects aimed at boosting the national grid.
Addressing the issue of local refining of petroleum, the President revealed plans to restart operations at the Port Harcourt refinery and the Dangote refinery this year.
To ensure food security, the government will cultivate 500,000 hectares for crops like rice and wheat.
Promising a simplified fiscal and tax policy to aid business competitiveness, Tinubu invited more foreign investment, vowing to remove obstacles faced by investors in Nigeria.
The President outlined his eight priority areas in the 2024 budget, encompassing security, job creation, stability, human capital development, and poverty reduction.
He assured the implementation of a new national minimum wage to improve workers’ remuneration while warning of the removal of underperforming appointees after evaluation.
Tinubu concluded by calling for national unity, urging opponents to collaborate for Nigeria’s progress, and assuring every Nigerian that the government would diligently work to ensure the economic aspirations and well-being of the poor, vulnerable, and working people are not neglected.
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