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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is not planning to destroy uncollected permanent voter cards (PVCs).
An online report recently claimed that the electoral commission wanted to destroy six million uncollected PVCs.
In a statement on Sunday, INEC described the report as “false” and advised members of the public to ignore it.
“Our attention has been drawn to a newspaper report that the Commission is contemplating the destruction of over six million uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) going back to the 2015 voter registration,” the statement reads.
“The report is incorrect. At no time did the Commission contemplate the destruction of uncollected PVCs. The public is advised to discountenance the story.”
In December 2024, INEC proposed the use of computer-generated slips for voter accreditation during elections.
Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, had said the introduction of the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) calls for a review of the use of the PVC as the sole means of voter identification on election day.
Yakubu said the commission would soon approach the national assembly with its recommendations for electoral reform.
Forty-eight hours before the 2023 presidential election, the commissionannounced that 87,209,007 PVCs had been collected across the country.
The PVCs collection data meant that 93.3 percent of 93,469,008 registered voters had collected their PVCs.
However, 6,259,229 PVCs—representing 6.7 percent of PVCs—remain uncollected.
President Bola Tinubu will depart Lagos on January 6, 2025, for Accra, the capital of Ghana, to attend the inauguration of President-elect John Mahama on January 7, 2025.
This was contained in a statement on Sunday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
Mahama, who served as the 12th president of Ghana between 2011 and 2017, was reelected in December 2024. He will succeed President Nana Akuffo-Addo (2017-2025).
Onanuga said, “Tinubu’s trip to Accra is at the invitation of the president-elect, who had visited the Nigerian leader earlier in December.
“Mahama and Tinubu have a longstanding personal relationship, just like Nigeria and Ghana maintain a longstanding bilateral relationship.”
Tinubu, as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, would join other African leaders at the ceremony.
Onanuga said the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and other senior government officials would accompany Tinubu on the trip.
Receipts into the federation account grew by 7.48 per cent to N6.86 trillion in the third quarter of 2024, the latest Economic Report by the Central Bank of Nigeria has revealed.
According to the report, the increase in the gross federation account earnings was driven by higher receipts from corporate tax and value-added tax.
The Federal Internal Revenue Service describes corporate tax as a tax levied on the profits made by companies operating in Nigeria. It is regulated by the Companies Income Tax Act under the supervision of the FIRS, while VAT is a tax levied on the consumption of goods and services.
The non-oil revenue was N5.56tn, as oil revenue made up the balance.
The CBN report said, “Gross federation account earnings improved, occasioned by higher receipts from non-oil revenue. At N6.86tn, the provisional gross federation account receipt was 7.48 per cent above the level in the preceding quarter but 23.71 per cent short of the benchmark.
“The increase was due largely to higher receipts from corporate tax and value-added tax. The composition of gross federation revenue showed that non-oil revenue remained dominant, accounting for 81.00 per cent, while oil revenue constituted the balance.
“Non-oil revenue, at N5.56tn, was 19.48 and 50.36 per cent above the levels in the preceding quarter and target, respectively. The increase relative to the preceding quarter was driven largely by higher collections from corporate tax and value-added tax. The increase relative to quarterly targets reflects improved revenue collection relative to budget expectations.”
The apex bank revealed that in the quarter under review, oil revenue, however, fell by 24.72 per cent to N1.30tn, relative to the level in Q2 2024 on account of lower receipts from petroleum profit, taxes, and royalties.
It was also 75.39 per cent short of the quarterly target due to shut-ins arising from ageing oil pipelines and installations.
Meanwhile, from the federally collected revenue of N6.87tn, about N3.92tn was distributed to the three tiers of government.
The federal, state, and local governments received N1.27tn, N1.36tn, and N0.99tn, respectively, while the balance of N0.30tn was allocated to the 13 per cent Derivation Fund for oil-producing states.
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu: Eastern Rail Line Will Be Completed, And Anambra Basin Will Receive Development Support
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President Bola Tinubu has made a firm commitment that his administration will complete the Eastern Rail line connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
President Tinubu gave the assurance during an interactive session with South East leaders during his official visit to Enugu State on Saturday.
The President also pledged that his administration would support the development of the Anambra Basin as a significant energy reserve.
The basin is estimated to hold up to 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas.
During the meeting, the President was attentive to the requests made by former Minister of Power Professor Chinedu Nebo and Enugu State indigene Chris Ugoh and responded with a commitment to address their concerns.
While applauding the Tinubu administration for completing the Port Harcourt to Aba section of the Eastern rail line, Nebo appealed to the President to prioritise the completion of the remaining portions of the rail link.
He emphasised the rail link's potential to boost Nigeria's non-oil exports and economic growth.
Ugoh noted that the Anambra Basin has the potential to support power generation and industrial feedstocks.
He appealed to the Federal Government to develop this resource to benefit the southeast and other regions of the country, including the Middle Belt and the North.
Onyemauche Nnamani, the National Commissioner representing the South East in the Police Service Commission, urged the Federal Government to implement modern security strategies in the region, akin to the statewide CCTV system and patrol cars with surveillance cameras in Enugu State.
Nnamani called on the federal government to de-emphasise the mounting of checkpoints and roadblocks in the region, saying, "It is inefficient and exposes our security personnel to attacks by non-state actors."
Responding to the request for the rail line, President Tinubu reassured the audience, saying, "It is a work in progress. I inherited some of these critical problems and am committed to solving them."
"On the support of the gas infrastructure. Sure, gas is an alternative to petrol. There is no wasting of time than to invest more in it. We will do it together, and I am lucky I have good governors. ''
Acknowledging the presence of various dignitaries, including governors, traditional rulers, captains of industry and serving and former presiding officers of the National Officer from the South East, President Tinubu praised former Senate President Ken Nnamani for saving Nigeria's democracy from those who wanted to derail it with the Third Term project.
Earlier at the meeting, President Tinubu praised Governor Peter Mbah for his development model and philosophy after inaugurating several projects executed by the state government.
He pledged that the federal government would continue to support Enugu and other states in their development efforts.
Among the projects inaugurated by the President are the GTC Smart Green School, New Haven/Bisalla Road, the International Conference Center, the Command-and-Control Center, and 150 patrol vehicles equipped with surveillance cameras.
The President also performed the virtual commissioning of other notable projects from the Enugu State Government House.
At the inauguration of the Command-and-Control Center, the President said investment in security will bring rapid development.
"This is a profound demonstration of what we can do together. It reassures me that more revenue going to the sub-nationals and local government is not a waste. It is for development.
"We have committed leaders like Peter Mbah taking Enugu on the path of 21st-century development, taking Enugu to greater heights, and building our tomorrow today.
"I cannot forget the sight of those children I just met at the Smart Green School.
"I have seen the gadgets and vehicles with 21st-century technology. Yes, you are indeed working for today, tomorrow and the future.
"My good friend Peter, we can go places together to build Nigeria and build the future.
"It is audacious to have this home filled with technology, and they are ready for use. To promote investment, I know you are a private sector person, and we must encourage more private sector people to come into politics.
"When you are sure of security and development and give value for money, investors will be your friend," he said.
President Tinubu further lauded the governor, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP, for demonstrating an irrevocable commitment to human development.
"I don't care which party you come from; you are my friend. Alex Otti of Abia State is also doing very well. It is not about the differences in languages and place of birth.
"No one of us has control of the mother tongue. God created us, and you can find yourself in Enugu, Onitsha or Lagos. We are all members of one huge family called Nigeria, but we live in different rooms in the same house.
"We must build this house to satisfy our immediate and future needs," he said.
At the interactive session, Governor Mbah described President Tinubu as a true federalist.
He commended the Tinubu administration for establishing the South East Development Commission and liberalising the electricity sector through the Electricity Act (Amendment).
He congratulated the President on being named ThisDay Man of the Year and acknowledged his efforts to revitalise Nigeria's growth and economic resilience.
"Your Excellency, your credential as a true federalist stands out brightly, and the legacies thereof will long earn you resounding accolades.
"In signing the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, you liberalised electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. That singular act will consistently rank as an enduring legacy.
"It is noteworthy that Enugu State was the first sub-national to which the NERC ceded regulatory oversight of the local electricity market. That reflects how swiftly we are pursuing our goals," he said.
According to the governor, the South East Development Commission will address infrastructure and ecological challenges in the region while complementing the many development strides unfolding across the state.
Governor Mbah reiterated his vision to grow Enugu's economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within 4 years, aiming to position the state among Nigeria's top three states in terms of GDP.
He said this grand dream can be achieved when security is guaranteed, quality education thrives, and citizens can access affordable healthcare.
The governor outlined the bold steps taken to enhance public safety in the state, including ending the illegal sit-at-home order imposed across the Southeast by a criminal gang and non-state actors.
''We no longer observe sit-at-home in Enugu. Our people go to work every day of the week, and we no longer take orders from non-state actors," he said.
The governor told the President that some of the Smart Green Schools commissioned during the state visit were part of the modern schools introduced by his administration across 260 wards to equip students with 21st-century skills.
The governor explained that his administration has focused on primary healthcare, upgrading all 260 primary healthcare centres to maintain consistent quality, even in remote areas.
"All these infrastructural developments are mainly possible because of your bold initiatives.
"The courageous pronouncements you made to free up funds for development: the removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the foreign exchange, and several social interventions that your government continues to provide for the people of this country.
"We are now essentially, with those funds freed, able to fully complete these projects. And it's not just physical infrastructure; social and digital infrastructure are going on," Governor Mbah said.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
From left: Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah during the commissioning of International Conference Center, Government House Command and Control Center and Security Vehicles in Enugu on Saturday.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he was made Governor of Rivers State by some political leaders in the state.
Wike, however, maintained that while he received political support from certain leaders, he ultimately fought his way to power.
He contrasted his rise politically to that of the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, whom he claimed he made governor of Rivers State.
Wike made the remarks during a civic reception he held in honor of some Rivers State politicians loyal to him on Friday in Port Harcourt.
The statement follows the resurfacing of old videos circulating on social media, where former First Lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, appeared to present Wike to former governor Peter Odili and some political leaders in Rivers State as the preferred successor to then-Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
The videos resurfaced amid a verbal exchange between Wike and Odili, arising from the political crisis in the state that has placed the FCT Minister at loggerheads with his successor, Fubara.
Odili had publicly shown support for Governor Fubara, which infuriated Wike, who believes the former governor should have refrained from taking sides and instead played the role of a father figure by addressing the political crisis in the state.
Wike said, “You didn’t give me. To be governor of Rivers State 2014, I fought for the party structure. I took it from Magnus Abe, yes, I did.
“So you can’t say you made me Governor. Nobody, I don’t want to make comments about certain people, I won’t do that.
“You Magnus, all of you, Victor Giadom, I fought you people, took the party structure.
“So, nobody can say I brought Wike, I dashed you. Nobody can say that. But it would be unfair to me, to Almighty God, for me to say nobody supported me.
“No you can’t say that. You need people’s support, but not to say you gave me.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Patience Jonathan, and Peter Odili were said to have played major roles in Wike’s emergence as Governor of Rivers State in 2015.
At the time, former Governor Amaechi had fallen out with Jonathan and his wife, prompting them to throw their support behind Wike, who had served as Amaechi’s Chief of Staff and later as Minister of State for Education under Jonathan.
![[PRESS RELEASE] Notice Of Planned Power Rationing Due To FCDA Road Dualization Project](/media/k2/items/cache/4adc02f7552cc02b606d84f7f0d92bc3_M.jpg)
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) notifies the public that due to the Federal Capital Development Agency's (FCDA) road dualization project along the Apo axis, eight number 132kV and 33kV towers will be relocated along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line (Outer Southern Expressway route).
This relocation work will necessitate a planned power outage from Monday, 6th January to Monday, 20th January 2025 from 9am to 4pm daily, which is the estimated duration for the dismantling and construction of the towers as well as restringing of the power cables that would enable resumption of bulk power supply to the Apo Transmission Substation from Gwagwalada Substation.
Consequently, there will be a rationing of electricity supply for AEDC's customers in Kubwa, Karu,Maraba, Nyanya,Masaka,Keffi, Kukwaba, and Apo Mechanic. This will also affect parts of Lugbe, Trademore Estate, Pyakasa, Sabon Lugbe Chika Alaita axis.
While the relocation of the transmission towers is a necessity for the road completion project, TCN apologizes for the inconvenience this planned power outage will cause and assures that power supply will be restored as soon as the towers relocation and cable stringing are completed.
Ndidi Mbah
GM, Public Affairs
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has dissolved the Nasarawa State Executive Council.
He announced the dissolution during an executive council meeting on Friday, 3rd January 2025.
The governor appreciated the outgone commissioners and the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State for the services rendered to the Government and people of Nasarawa State and wished them the best of luck in their future endeavours.
The outgone commissioners have been directed to hand over the affairs of their Ministries and all government property in their possession to the Permanent Secretaries of their respective Ministries.
In the same vein, the outgone Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State is also directed to handover to the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs and Special Services.
Nigerian telecommunications companies have proposed a 100 per cent increase in their tariffs, pending approval from the government.
The proposal, which has been submitted to the Nigerian Communications Commission, aims to address rising operational costs, including inflation and increased service delivery expenses.
The disclosure was made by the Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday.
However, the CEO expressed that it remains uncertain whether the Nigerian Communications Commission—the telecom regulator, will approve the proposal.
According to Toriola, the proposed tariff hike is necessary for the sustainability of the industry, which has been facing significant financial pressures due to rising operational costs.
“We’ve put forward requests of approximately 100 per cent tariff increases to regulators. I doubt they’re going to approve that quantum of increases because they are very, very sensitive to the current economic situation in the country,” Toriola said.
Despite the challenges, Toriola expressed optimism that regulators would make the right decision, taking into account the realities of the sector.
The CEO emphasised that the focus is on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry, rather than short-term profitability.
“I believe we’re all on the same side, the policymakers, the regulators, our Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, and the industry. We’re united because we share concerns about a few fundamental issues. First, human rights, are critical to driving any economy. Without a sustainable industry, the broader economy and the well-being of the people will be negatively impacted.”
The proposal comes amid rising costs for telecom companies, driven by factors such as inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and the increasing price of key operational inputs like diesel, power generation, and raw materials.
Toriola highlighted the pressure these rising costs have put on telecom businesses, making it difficult for many companies to maintain profitable operations.
Earlier this week, operators issued a statement warning that service disruptions are imminent unless tariffs are adjusted to account for escalating operational costs.
The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo described the telecom sector as “under siege,” citing soaring operational costs driven by inflation, volatile exchange rates, and rising energy prices.
He noted that despite these challenges, tariffs have remained unchanged, leaving operators struggling to maintain quality service and expand their networks.
The telcom chief warned that without an immediate tariff adjustment, operators may resort to service shedding, leading to limited availability of telecom services in certain areas.
The first call for a tariff adjustment was made in April 2024, but no significant progress has been achieved.
In response to the growing financial strain, ALTON and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria issued a joint statement urging the Federal Government to facilitate a constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders.
The associations emphasised the need for a framework that balances consumer affordability with operators’ financial sustainability, following 11 years of tariff stability.
With a shared commitment to preserving the sector’s future, operators are calling on all stakeholders to act before it’s too late, warning that failure to do so will risk the survival of one of Nigeria’s most critical industries.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has expressed strong opposition to the Federal Government’s proposed removal of the education tax, describing the plan as a threat to the survival of Nigerian universities.
ASUU’s National President, Prof. Victor Osodeke, disclosed in an interview with The PUNCH that the union would meet with the two Ministers of Education, Tunji Alausa and Suwaiba Ahmad, this year to address this and other pressing challenges in the education sector.
He said the union had written to the Senate President, the Presidency, and other key stakeholders, warning that the implementation of the tax reform bill, which includes the proposed changes to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, would jeopardise tertiary education.
Osodeke said, “The plan to eliminate the education tax should not stand. We have sent letters to the Presidency, the Senate President and other stakeholders as regards this.
“There is a need to adequately fund education. Education cannot be allowed to stay in the rot. As regards the challenges in universities, we have a meeting with the two Ministers of Education.
Though the dates have not been communicated yet, we will let you know when that is done.”
The proposed Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, currently before the National Assembly, seeks to reduce TETFund’s share of the education tax (referred to as the development levy).
Under Section 59(3) of the bill, only 50% of the development levy would go to TETFund, with agencies like NITDA, NASENI, and NELFUND receiving the remaining portions.
By 2030, TETFund would receive 0% of the levy, significantly reducing its capacity to fund infrastructural development, postgraduate training, and research in public tertiary institutions.
ASUU has labelled the move illegal and vowed to resist any attempt to divert funds from TETFund to other agencies not recognised by the Act establishing the Fund in 2011.
In addition to the tax reform concerns, ASUU accused the government of failing to remove university academics from the controversial Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System. The union has long argued that IPPIS does not suit the unique needs of the academic environment.
Osodeke said the meeting with the education ministers, though not yet scheduled, would focus on resolving challenges affecting the education sector.
For over 25 years, TETFund has been a critical source of funding for Nigerian public tertiary institutions, supporting infrastructural development, postgraduate training, and research capacity building.
ASUU maintains that any reduction in TETFund’s resources would undermine the progress made so far in the education sector.
Nine Nigerian banks collectively earned N4.85tn in interest income on loans and advances to customers in the first nine months of 2024, marking a growth of 114.95 per cent compared to N2.26tn recorded in the same period of 2023.
Access Holdings led the industry with N1.13tn in interest income as of September 2024, up from N458.41bn in the corresponding period of 2023. The 146.4 per cent surge reflects the bank’s lending strategy and expansion of its loan portfolio.
Zenith Bank followed closely, reporting an interest income of N1.07tn, more than doubling its N408.66bn figure from the previous year, representing an increase of 161.8 per cent.
FBN Holdings earned N915.35bn in interest income year-to-date in 2024, a 128.1 per cent increase from N401.33bn recorded in the same period of 2023.
Fidelity Bank recorded an interest income of N450.00bn, up from N260.51bn in 2023. The 72.7 per cent growth reflects the bank’s efforts to deepen its presence in the corporate and retail lending markets.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company reported an interest income of N392.33bn, an 84.8 per cent rise from N212.30bn in the prior year.
FCMB Group generated N317.53bn in interest income, up from N183.55bn in 2023. This 73 per cent increase is attributed to its targeted approach to scaling its credit portfolio to meet customer needs.
Stanbic IBTC Holdings recorded N283.95bn in interest income as of September 2024, representing a growth of 81.7 per cent from N156.24bn in the same period of the previous year.
Wema Bank posted an interest income of N149.28bn, an increase of 76.8 per cent from N84.42bn in 2023.
Sterling Bank recorded N139.86bn in interest income, up from N90.45bn in the same period of 2023. This 54.6 per cent growth reflects the bank’s focused efforts to grow its credit portfolio despite economic challenges.
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Nigeria's number one man, President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians of his administration’s readiness to take the country to the promised land.
Tinubu said his administration feels motivated by the ongoing support from the National Assembly over the past 19 months.
He disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing a gathering at his residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos.
Among those present at the gathering were Vice President Kashim Shettima, the National Assembly leadership, and former National Assembly principal officers.
Speaking, Tinubu said: “Nigerians are the heart of everything we are doing. We have come to serve. You have made my day by coming on this visit. Happy New Year. May God bless you and our country and give our nation more prosperity. The transformative journey we have embarked upon is for all of us. It is for our tomorrow. It is for the future generation. Your commitment will yield that fruit for the babies yet unborn.
“Your commitment to value addition and bringing about the spirit of can do and must do is for all of us together. It is for us to build a nation. We have confidence and competence. The enslavers want us to be anything but enslaved people, but we say no. We are determined, we are capable, and we are resolute, and we will be there. We will take Nigeria to that promised land with you.”
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu To Governors: You Are The Most Important Link To Nigeria's Development And Prosperity
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu To Governors: You Are The Most Important Link To Nigeria's Development And Prosperity](/media/k2/items/cache/cb222b55405eeac7c0566b720ab97333_XS.jpg?t=20250101_201448)
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday in Lagos, emphasised the critical role of state governors in driving Nigeria's development and prosperity, saying their leadership at the subnational level is central to achieving food security, economic prosperity and rapid national growth.
During a New Year homage by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) at his Ikoyi residence, the President expressed his gratitude for their support and collaboration while highlighting key areas requiring joint effort for the nation's progress.
"You are the most important link to Nigeria's prosperity and development. The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 per cent of the allocated revenue; the rest comes to you. The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hands," he said.
President Tinubu called for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to address pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability.
Expressing his commitment to local government development and autonomy, the President stressed its importance for grassroots development and dispelled rumours of disagreement with the governors.
"We will not fight within us. I will drive the change. You control your local governments. You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level.
"There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No. Just drive development at the local government. Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration. Let's do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it."
President Tinubu urged governors to prioritise agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability.
"We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves. Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us," he said.
He also urged the governors to take pride in their efforts and acknowledged their progress across the states.:
"There is no state we cannot visit and be proud of its development. We have better allocations now. Let me take the abuse; you take the privileges. Together, we will build a nation we are all proud of," he said.
Reflecting on his leadership journey in the last 19 months, the President expressed confidence in Nigeria's capacity to thrive given the resilience and leadership demonstrated by the administration.
"I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We'll be on this voyage together. I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading," he said.
The President announced that he will be visiting Enugu State on January 4 as part of his planned visits to some states of the federation.
President Tinubu welcomed his declaration by ThisDAY newspaper as Man Of The Year.
He commended the newspaper for recognising "what they considered a failure initially, but is now a success."
Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, described ThisDay's decision to name President Tinubu Man of the Year as a significant endorsement of the administration's policies.
He noted that the acknowledgement from a media outlet known for critical media coverage during the campaign reflects the tangible progress made under President Tinubu's leadership.
"The policies are working. In agriculture, I was in Jigawa. The complaint in Jigawa was that there was a bumper harvest, but because of the strength of our currency, traders exported the harvest.
"So, most of us are encouraging ourselves to buy bumper stocks into our silos, store them for the rainy day. So, in terms of agriculture, the policy is working. We'll continue to deepen that and ensure we are 100% sustained in food security and feed the whole of West Africa," he said.
The governor urged the President to visit various states to see the ongoing transformations and progress firsthand.
He assured the President of the steadfast support of the governors, particularly in contributing to local security architecture to further enhance the nation's security.
"I must confess that I have not done two years in this administration, but I've done more projects in two years than in the four years of my first term", Governor Abdulrazaq said.
"We are getting more funding due to the restructuring of the economy. Yes, there is inflation, but we are overriding it," the governor said.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
President Bola Tinubu with L-R: Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele when the leadership of the National Assembly paid a new year homage to the President at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos. January 1, 2025
President Bola Tinubu with L-R: Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Babagana Zulum of Borno State, when members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum paid a new year homage to the President at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos. January 1, 2025
President Bola Tinubu in a group photograph with members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum who paid him new year homage at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos. January 1, 2025
President Bola Tinubu with Vice President Kashim Shettima during the Vice President’s visit to the President at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos. January 1, 2025
Fellow Nigerians,
As we enter 2025, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. May you be rich in joy, success, and good health.
As the new year dawns, it brings many hopes, aspirations, and prospects for better days. By the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfill our collective desires.
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 stock market's record growth has generated trillions of naira in wealth, and the surge in foreign investment reflects renewed confidence in our economy. Nevertheless, the cost of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many Nigerian households in 2024.
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% to 15%. With diligent work and God's help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people.
In this new year, my administration will further consolidate 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.
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.
We will continue to embark on necessary reforms to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation.
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.
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.
CITIZENSHIP
To achieve our national goals and objectives, we must become better citizens and uncompromising in our devotion and allegiance to Nigeria.
Citizens’ moral rectitude and faith in our country are fundamental to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda. In 2025, we will commit to promoting adherence to ethical principles, shared values, and beliefs under the National Identity Project.
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.
As far-reaching and foundational as our reforms are, they can produce the desired outcomes only through shared common values and identities and unconditional love for our country.
The Youth Confab will begin in the first quarter of 2025, 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.
Dear Compatriots, I urge you to continue believing in yourselves and keeping faith in our blessed country.
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. I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport. I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition. The Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states.
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.
The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams.
God bless you all, and may God bless our beloved country, Nigeria.
Happy New Year and a prosperous 2025 to you all!
Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu says a national youth conference organised by the federal government will begin in the first quarter of 2025.
Tinubu spoke on Wednesday in his New Year message to Nigerians.
The president said the conference is a testament to his administration’s 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,” he said.
Tinubu said governors and local council chairpersons should work with the federal government in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms to move the country forward.
“I commend the governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport. I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition,” he said.
“The federal government will always offer necessary assistance to the states.
“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.”
The president said he would also unveil a National Values Charter in the first quarter of 2025 that would foster patriotism and love for the country among citizens.