In his New Year's address, President Bola Tinubu reflected on Nigeria's democratic journey and outlined ambitious plans for the year 2024. The President acknowledged the discomfort caused by recent tough decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange system adjustments. Despite challenges, he assured citizens that tough times are temporary.
Tinubu emphasized his commitment to accelerating service delivery across sectors in 2024. Notable promises from his speech include a focus on reliable electricity supply. He mentioned a new deal with the German Chancellor to expedite the Siemens Energy power project, reinforcing his administration's recognition of the pivotal role steady electricity plays in economic transformation.
Addressing petroleum refining, Tinubu announced plans to restart local refining with the Port Harcourt Refinery and the Dangote Refinery. This initiative aims to enhance Nigeria's energy self-sufficiency.
Food security is a key priority, with a pledge to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmland for staple crops. This effort, under the National Wheat Development Programme, seeks to guarantee a consistent and affordable food supply.
President Tinubu expressed a commitment to making Nigeria an attractive destination for investments. He promised to simplify fiscal and tax policies to create a business-friendly environment. His goal is to remove obstacles hindering local and foreign investments.
Highlighting the 2024 budget, Tinubu outlined eight priority areas, including national defense, job creation, macro-economic stability, and poverty reduction. These areas reflect the administration's dedication to achieving governance objectives.
As Nigeria enters 2024, President Tinubu's promises signal a strategic vision for the nation's development. The President's emphasis on economic growth, energy reliability, food security, and a conducive investment climate aims to steer Nigeria toward a prosperous and resilient future.