President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians of their resolve to boost food production and reduce inflation on food and drugs to 15 per cent, while strengthening the economy in 2025.

In his New Year message to the nation, Tinubu highlighted economic growth indicators, including lower fuel prices, rising foreign reserves and a stronger Naira, as signs of progress in 2024 that would continue into 2025.

He stated, “Though 2024 posed numerous challenges to our citizens and households, I am confident that the New Year will bring brighter days.

“Economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for our nation. Fuel prices have gradually decreased, and we recorded foreign trade surpluses in three consecutive quarters.

“Foreign reserves have risen, and the Naira has strengthened against the US dollar, bringing greater stability.”

The President said Nigeria’s stock market’s record growth had generated trillions of naira in wealth, adding that the surge in foreign investment reflected renewed confidence in the country’s economy.

Nevertheless, the cost of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many Nigerian households in 2024.

He acknowledged persistent inflation and rising costs of essentials, vowing to intensify efforts to reduce inflation from 34.6 per cent to 15 per cent through reforms aimed at boosting food production and encouraging local manufacturing of drugs and medical supplies.

“In 2025, our government is committed to intensifying efforts to lower these costs by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies.

“We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6 per cent to 15 per cent.

“With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people,” said the President.

For the New Year, Tinubu promised to consolidate further and increase access to credit for individuals and critical sectors of the economy to boost national economic output.

“To achieve this, the Federal Government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.

“The company—expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter—is a partnership of government institutions, such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the private sector, and multilateral institutions.

“This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and better living standards for our people,” he assured citizens.

President Tinubu called on governors and local councils to align with federal agricultural and tax reforms to seize economic opportunities.

“Let me use this New Year’s message to urge our governors and local council chairpersons to work closely with the central government to seize emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms and move our nation forward,” he appealed.

Tinubu commended governors who embraced the FG’s Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport. He congratulated those who also adopted electric vehicles as part of the administration’s national energy mix and transition, saying, “The Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states.”

Tinubu stressed the importance of national unity and ethical values as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Therefore, he announced plans to unveil a National Values Charter in Q1 2025, alongside a national orientation campaign to promote patriotism and shared values.

In 2025, the President said his government would commit to promoting adherence to ethical principles, shared values and beliefs under the National Identity Project.

He announced, “I will unveil the National Values Charter, already approved by the Federal Executive Council, in the first quarter of 2025.

“I will launch an ambitious national orientation campaign that fosters patriotism and love for our country and inspires citizens to rally together.

“The Charter will promote mutual commitments between the government and citizens and foster trust and cooperation among our diverse population and between the government and the citizens.”

He argued that as far-reaching and foundational as the FG’s reforms were, they could produce the desired outcomes only through shared common values and identities and unconditional love for our country.

He also added that the Youth Confab he announced last October would begin in the first quarter of 2025, saying it is “a testament to our commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders.”

“The Ministry of Youth will soon announce the modalities for selecting the conference’s representatives from our diverse, youthful population,” the President noted.

Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s economic trajectory, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to reforms aimed at achieving a $1tn economy.

“We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone.

“Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion,” he declared.

Tinubu concluded by thanking the citizens for their sacrifices and support, assuring them that 2025 would mark significant progress towards the nation’s aspirations.

He said, “On a personal note, thank you for placing your confidence in me as your President. Your trust humbles me, and I promise to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly.

“I seek your cooperation and collaboration at all times as we pursue our goal of a one trillion-dollar economy. Let us stay focused and united. To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain over the past 19 months.

“I assure you they will not be in vain even in the months ahead. Together, let us stay the course of nation-building. As we enter 2025, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. May you be rich in joy, success, and good health. By the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfill our collective desires.”

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party urged President Tinubu to take urgent action to address the escalating insecurity, fuel shortages and the food crisis as the country enters the New Year.

This was as it accused the President of pursuing empty rhetoric, false promises and unproven claims since May 2023 without real action to quell insecurity, improve the economy, create jobs, ensure credible elections or raise living standards for Nigerians.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP called for swift and active measures to tackle these challenges facing Nigerians.

The statement read in part, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Nigerians on the dawn of the year 2025 and charges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to taint the New Year with an address that will not proffer immediate and concrete steps to reduce the price of fuel, address widespread hunger and provide clear-cut measures to guarantee security of lives and property in the country.

“This position by the PDP is predicated on the fact that previous addresses by Mr. President in the last 18 months dwelt only on hopeless rhetoric, unsubstantiated statistics, false promises, conjured performance claims and validation of flawed elections without concrete mechanisms to address insecurity, resuscitate the economy, create jobs, ensure credible elections and guarantee better living standard for Nigerians.

“The PDP maintains that President Tinubu must speak to the issues of unbridled corruption, deceit, budget padding, reckless and wasteful spending directed to fund luxury appetite of APC leaders, insensitivity to the pains of citizens and total disregard to the obligation of government, which has made life unbearable for Nigerians under his watch.”

The main opposition also urged Tinubu to account for the billions of naira reportedly generated from the removal of subsidy on petroleum products.

It continued, “Furthermore, Mr. President should come clean on his public commitment to fight corruption by ordering an investigation and recovery of the over N25tn reportedly stolen by APC leaders and officials in government who have turned government agencies to Automated Teller Machines to siphon funds for their benefit while other Nigerians wallow in abject poverty, hunger and starvation.

“Equally worrisome is the failure of the APC government to revisit and address the reported cases of alleged state-backed killings in various parts of the country, particularly the 2020 EndSars killings and inhuman denial of the massacre of promising Nigerian youths in that sad and repulsive incident.

“The last 18 months have been the most excruciating period to Nigerians since the Civil War, with citizens now resorting to suicide and slavery missions abroad due to the hopeless situation foisted by the anti-people policies of the suppressive, exploitative and insensitive APC government, which continues to reject every appeal and suggestion for review of such policies.

“More disheartening is that while Nigerians die of hunger and insecurity, APC leaders and officials in government continue to flaunt their luxury appetite and lifestyle in utter disdain for the feelings of millions of impoverished citizens.”

The PDP also warned the APC-led government against carrying its old attitude into 2025, as that would intensify citizens’ frustration and dissatisfaction.

The party encouraged Nigerians to stay hopeful for the country’s future, remain law-abiding and approach 2025 with optimism.

It also urged citizens to remain committed to defending the nation’s constitutional democracy, upholding the Rule of Law and demanding greater transparency and accountability from the government.

Linda Yaccarino, the chief executive officer (CEO) of X, formerly Twitter, has announced that the social media platform will launch a payment system called X Money in 2025.

In a statement on X on Tuesday, Yaccarino said 2025 will connect X users in ways never thought possible.

“In 2024, X changed the world. Now, YOU are the media!” she said.

“2025 X will connect you in ways never thought possible. X TV, X Money, Grok and more.

“Buckle up. Happy New Year!”

In April 2023, SLATE reported that Elon Musk, the owner of the microblogging platform, plans to make X the “everything app”.

X is expected to serve as an all-in-one solution.

On December 18, Musk said the total active users on X is one billion, but about 40 percent only visit the platform during major world events.

In April, Musk confirmed plans to charge new users to post on the platform, adding that it is the only solution to curb the issue of bots on the platform.

The billionaire said the proliferation of fake accounts occupies the available space for usernames, leading to the unavailability of many good handles.

According to Musk, new users will be able to post for free after three months.

Already, X has started charging new users in New Zealand and the Philippines $1 per year to access key features, which include the ability to tweet, retweet, like posts and reply to posts.

The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Damagum, asserted on Tuesday that PDP remains the strongest opposition party in the country, adding that any merger without the PDP would not unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Damagum, who spoke in an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Tuesday, was reacting to comments on Monday by the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, who ruled out an alliance with the PDP and the Labour Party in 2027.

Speaking on Tuesday, Damagum said there would have been no Kwankwaso without the PDP as he had his political grooming in the PDP before he departed.

The PDP chairman dismissed Kwankwaso’s assertion that the PDP was dead, stating that the party remains the only opposition party still winning governorship elections across the country.

Damagum said, “People are entitled to their opinions, but I want to remind him (Kwankwaso) of the past. When they left the PDP in 2015, if the party didn’t die back then, during a time they thought they had weakened it, I don’t see why anyone would claim it is dead now.

“Let’s not forget that the PDP remains the only party capable of winning elections if you exclude the ruling APC.

“That said, there is no party better than the PDP for Kwankwaso. The party nurtured his political career and brought him to where he is today. We still hope he will return to work with us to rebuild our party and confront this oppressive government.”

Damagum highlighted the PDP’s resilience and continued influence, pointing to its lasting structure and widespread presence throughout Nigeria.

He stated, “The PDP is the only party that has consistently won elections without being in power. Senator Kwankwaso may have left, but how many states did he win with his new party? The facts speak for themselves.

“For over two decades, the PDP has remained steadfast, maintaining its identity and producing governors and lawmakers in every part of the country. Even if four parties merge without the PDP, they cannot win an election. We’ve seen this play out repeatedly. Where are those parties now? Even their alliances with other parties have not delivered the desired results.

“I admit that some of his claims about the challenges we faced back then are valid. As the Deputy National Chairman (North) at the time, my powers were limited, but we tried to resolve the issues. Unfortunately, those efforts fell short. He himself acknowledged this in previous interviews.”

…Asks govt to prioritise welfare, and well-being of citizens in 2025

…To step up the battle for a wage review

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday insisted on the withdrawal of the Tax Reform Bills forwarded by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly for passage to enable all key national stakeholders to be part of the process.

Recall that the bills had drawn sharp criticisms from some parts of the country, especially the north, which saw them as anti-growth in the region.

It also implored the government at all levels to prioritise the welfare and well-being of the citizens in 2025.

In its New Year message to Nigerians, especially workers, the President of NLC, Mr Joe Ajaero, equally said organised labour would step up its battle for an upward wage review for workers to mitigate the high costs of living.

The message, titled “In 2025, hope is in our collective resolve,’’ read: “As we step into the year 2025, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, extends warm New Year greetings to every worker and citizen across our great nation.

‘’The challenges of survival we have faced as a people must not hold us down. Instead, let us find inner strength to build a collective resolve to drive Nigeria out of the morass of underdevelopment that has held it captive for far too long.

“No external power will deliver us from the scourge of economic hardship and stagnation. It is only through our collective effort and determination that we can propel our nation forward.

“We must build inner strength to find this collective resolve across the length and breadth of our great nation. This is our civic responsibility—one we must embrace with unwavering determination.
“We call on the government at all levels to ensure that governance translates into real benefits for the people. The welfare of the citizens remains the primary justification for the existence of any government.

“Access to food and nutrition, better healthcare, quality housing, education, transportation and greater security of lives and properties, including the right to participate in decisions on how they are ruled, are the key expectations of the people and workers.

“Policies must, therefore, reflect transparency, honesty, and inclusivity, devoid of chicanery, nepotism, and strong-arm tactics.

“To create a thriving, democratic nation, we need a system built on the tenets of social dialogue, allowing critical stakeholders to participate actively in nation-building. Such inclusiveness will foster deeper ownership of government policies, ensuring stability and sustainability.

“It is on this premise that we once again call on the federal government to withdraw its present tax bills before the National Assembly so that all key national stakeholders will be part of the process.
‘’As we embark on a national dialogue in Ibadan in January, 2025, we want to join hands in co-creating a new national tax law that would enjoy wider acceptance and fulfill its purpose of propelling national development which we believe is the main objective of government.

“As we move into 2025, we urge the federal government to prioritize industrial peace by taking social dialogue seriously, pursuing pro-human-progress policies, and respecting agreements with trade unions.

“The increasing use of violence in engagements with workers and unions must cease, as it is a recipe for industrial disharmony. Trade unions which we are, as a pan-people organization, remain a committed partner in progress, striving for the development of Nigeria while protecting the rights of workers and citizens at large.

“We have a very large stake in our nation and are concerned about how our nation is run compelling us to thus seek to ensure that government policies give our nation optimal outcomes. While we therefore urge government to govern well it must understand that we are responsible to our members and this we cannot shirk.

“We insist that governments at all levels must comply with the provisions of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act from the very beginning of the year. Furthermore, given the economic realities imposed by recent government policies, we shall engage the government for a wage review to safeguard workers’ welfare.

“Our nation will become more productive when the incomes of workers are able to meet at least their basic needs, thus committing more to their work. In this, we believe there ought to be unanimity between us and governments at various levels. We look forward to fruitful engagement on this with our social partners as we move into 2025.

“Let us unite in our resolve to ensure a Nigeria where workers’ welfare, decent work environments, and the security of life and property are prioritized. Together, through collective effort and determination, we can transform our nation into one of progress, inclusion and shared prosperity.”

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has extend heartfelt felicitations to all Nigerians and residents, wishing them a joyous and prosperous New Year.

In a statement released on Wednesday morning by Force Spokesperson, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP acknowledged the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people amid challenges faced in the past year.

He emphasized the importance of community engagement and a people-centric approach to policing.

IGP Egbetokun reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to enhancing public safety and security through a more community-oriented and people-focused policing strategy.

He called on all Nigerians to actively participate in building a secure and peaceful nation by partnering with the Police, remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activities while maintaining open channels of communication with the Police and other law enforcement agencies.

The statement added: “As we usher in the New Year 2025, the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting the lives and property of all citizens. Together, we can create a safer and more secure environment to promote growth in all sectors of our country.

“Wishing all a prosperous and fulfilling 2025!”

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye has released prophecies for the year 2025.

Naija News reports that the renowned ‘Man of God’ revealed the prophecies at the Church annual across over service held at its Redemption City.

See prophecies below:

Individual:

1. The Lord says 2025 will be a landmark year.

2. The Lord said the day someone has been waiting for will arrive this year.

3. God says the wind that started blowing last year will continue to blow this year but stronger.

4. The Lord said some earthly helpers will be replaced by heavenly helpers this year.

5. The Lord said mockers will be louder and more aggressive but unfortunately many will not survive 2025.

6. The Lord says some towns and villages will shout victory at last.

Pastor Adeboye stated that more prophecies will be revealed at RCCG’s upcoming service on Friday.

He also added that he would not reveal prophecies for Nigeria as he would add them to the ones he would release for the whole world.

The cleric added that before September there will be abundance evidence that it pays to serve God.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has authorized the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to hold Alhaji Bello Bodejo, the President of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, along with six other individuals for a period of 60 days.

This decision is intended to facilitate investigations into allegations of banditry and illegal possession of firearms.

Justice Emeka Nwite granted this detention following an ex-parte application submitted by DIA counsel I.O. Odom.

The case, designated as FHC/ABJ/CS/1875/V/2024, sought a two-month extension to ensure a comprehensive investigation.

The individuals apprehended in Nasarawa State on December 11 include Bodejo, Suleiman Abba, Umar Jibrin, Umar Bello, Muhammed Ayuba, Jibrin Baba, and Saidu Wakili.

After their arrest by Nigerian Armed Forces personnel, the suspects were placed in the custody of the DIA.

An affidavit presented by DIA investigator Bonny Ozegbe indicated that the suspects were implicated in an assault on a military installation in Nasarawa State. This attack, reportedly led by Bodejo, resulted in injuries to both soldiers and civilians, the theft of military weapons, and considerable damage.

Among the items recovered from the suspects were AK-47 rifles and ammunition. The affidavit also highlighted ongoing efforts to apprehend additional accomplices.

“Releasing the suspects could jeopardise the investigation and pose a serious threat to national security,” Ozegbe stated.

Justice Nwite approved the request, allowing the Department of Internal Affairs to retain custody of the suspects until March 3, 2025, at which point the case will be addressed.

In a related matter, Justice Mohammed Zubairu of the FCT High Court mandated the release of Bodejo from the custody of the Department of State Services, ruling that his prior detention without charges was unlawful.

The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has countered the allegation from the presidency that he is stirring up anarchy against the government of President Bola Tinubu over the Tax Reform Bills.

Governor Mohammed, in a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, said he is only giving candid advice on the dangers of proceeding with bad decisions or policies.

 Recalls the Bauchi Governor had described the Tax Reform Bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration as anti-North and a threat to the unity of Nigeria.

The Governor argued that President Tinubu‘s reforms seemed designed to benefit specific regions of the country while leaving the North at a disadvantage.

In response, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, on Monday, said the statements coming from the Bauchi State Governor are unbecoming of his office and public status.

The presidential media aide urged Governor Mohammed to focus on resolving the developmental and poverty challenges in his state rather than issuing threats against President Bola Tinubu or making inflammatory statements against the government and President Tinubu and urged him to retract his words.

Reacting to the statement from the presidency, Governor Mohammed on Tuesday, said he was only giving advice based on his closeness to the people and an understanding of what the people want.

He said: “To start with, it is the height of mischief that Governor Bala Mohammed’s candid advice on the dangers of proceeding with bad decisions or policies that could worsen the plight of the masses, has been taken out of context, as a threat on the presidency. It would have been out of character for him to threaten the President or the presidency, an institution for which he has the greatest respect.”

“His remarks were essentially precautionary, given the deep-seated frustrations caused by the prevailing economic situation. and were aimed at ensuring that the proposed tax reforms are equitable, inclusive, and sensitive to the unique socio-economic challenges of the constituent parts of the country. His overall aim, as he has always done, was to foster dialogue and advocate for policies that protect the interests of ordinary Nigerians, particularly those in economically disadvantaged states.

“When Governor Bala Mohammed asserted that the Presidency’s attempt to shove the discredited tax reforms down the throat of Nigerians was a recipe for anarchy, he spoke from the position of someone who is closer to the populace and who carries the mandate of not only the over seven million people of Bauchi State but who also possesses an intimate knowledge of a very significant subregional group in the country. It is not by accident that his genuine reservation against the tax reforms coincides with those of some APC governors who have consistently warned against implementing the proposed reform in its present form. Therefore, it smacks of a disingenuous attempt at blackmail and a throwback to the insensitivity of the Government to single Bala Mohammed out for inquisition. Could it be because he is of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)?

“If the Presidency had genuinely desired an all-inclusive tax reform that would command the buy-in of various stakeholder and subnational groups in the country, it could have subjected a draft to discussion before railroading it to the National Assembly. It did not. Even when it was given a soft landing by the National Economic Council, NEC, a body headed by the Vice President of the country and which, by that token, was expected to command the respect of the President, its advice that the reform be taken back was blatantly disregarded. So, who is against dialogue?”

On the allegation of a high poverty rate in Bauchi, the Governor’s aide said the position of the presidency is both misleading and unfair.

He also highlighted the achievements recorded by his principal which have endeared him to the people.

“It is common knowledge that Bauchi State has faced systemic socio-economic challenges inherited over decades. Over time, these challenges have been compounded by our compatriots fleeing for their lives from the insecurity in other states as well as other existential challenges confronting them. Despite this, the Bala Mohammed administration has leveraged resources to deliver impactful development projects that have significantly improved the quality of life of the citizens. Contrary to the Presidency’s claims, Bauchi State under Governor Bala Mohammed has made remarkable progress in key sectors.

“Finally, the Bauchi State Government is satisfied that the people of Bauchi State stand firmly behind their governor, whose achievements speak volumes about his dedication to constitutionalism, progress and all-inclusive people-oriented service,” the statement concluded.