The Nigerian Government has reiterated that peace and stability are essential for economic recovery and effective governance. This was highlighted by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja.
Akume stated that achieving economic prosperity remains a central goal for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He emphasized that peace and stability are crucial for fostering trust, cooperation, and shared purpose within the nation. “When peace reigns, policies yield results, businesses thrive, investments flourish, and creativity is unleashed,” he said.
Acknowledging the current challenges faced by Nigerians, Akume attributed them to the bold policy decisions made by the administration. He assured that these hardships are temporary and will soon give way to sustained prosperity. “This administration at inception in May 2023 inherited an economy in need of urgent, bold, and imaginative reforms. Policy measures including the removal of an unsustainable fuel subsidy regime had to be taken,” Akume explained, noting the resultant economic adjustments.
He also addressed the inherited security issues, which have persisted for two decades and required significant investment in upgrading security architecture, infrastructure, systems, and personnel capabilities. This has necessitated the allocation of scarce resources from the nation’s dwindling revenue. The objectives have been to secure lives and property, build foreign investors’ confidence, and increase food production by enabling displaced communities to return home safely.
Highlighting the administration’s achievements over the past fourteen months, Akume detailed several initiatives aimed at fostering immediate, medium, and long-term prosperity for Nigerians. These include:
- The release of five billion Naira to each state prioritizing the poor, vulnerable, and elderly.
- The approval of a thirty-five thousand Naira wage award for six months for workers.
- Provision of twenty trailers of assorted grains to each state.
- Signing into law a new National Minimum Wage Act prescribing N70,000.
- Removal of tariffs on imported food items and provision of farm inputs such as fertilizers.
- Establishment of the Ministry for Livestock Development.
- Development of roads and other critical infrastructure.
- Implementation of social safety net programs and local government autonomy.
- Establishment of the N35 billion Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) under youth development.
While recognizing the right to peaceful protest, Akume cautioned against actions that could disturb national peace and progress. He appealed to all groups to prioritize peace and work towards the nation’s development. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sought the mandate of Nigerians to lead the nation at this difficult time because he knew that effective leadership was required to address the challenges that had accumulated over several years. That was why he sought to renew the hope of Nigerians,” Akume emphasized.
He encouraged Nigerians to continue their legitimate activities and avoid actions or associations that could disrupt the country’s peace.