As Nigeria welcomes 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the nation in a New Year broadcast, calling for a positive outlook despite the challenges faced in the past year. Tinubu, who assumed office seven months ago, reflected on the transitional nature of 2023, emphasizing the peaceful transfer of power and his commitment to national development.
In his speech, the president acknowledged the discomfort caused by some tough decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies and changes to the foreign exchange system. However, he asserted their necessity to avert fiscal catastrophe and steer the country toward economic stability.
Tinubu sympathized with citizens grappling with the high cost of living and inflation, assuring them that his administration is now poised to accelerate service delivery across sectors. He reaffirmed his dedication to building a better nation that cares for all citizens, emphasizing that every decision made has been in the best interest of the country.
Key initiatives outlined for 2024 include:
- Economic Revitalization: President Tinubu highlighted plans to improve electricity supply, restart local refining of petroleum, and cultivate 500,000 hectares for crops like rice and wheat. He announced an agreement with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to accelerate the Siemens electricity project.
- Business Environment: The president promised to simplify fiscal and tax policies to enhance business competitiveness and attract foreign investment. He pledged to remove obstacles hindering investors in Nigeria.
- Social Agenda: Tinubu outlined plans to implement a new national minimum wage, close inequality gaps, and give every Nigerian the opportunity to thrive through hard work. His economic priorities in the 2024 budget include security, job creation, stability, human capital development, and poverty reduction.
In his New Year message, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq echoed the call for sustainable development, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring safety, maintaining law and order, and providing essential amenities.
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun highlighted unprecedented infrastructure development, focusing on road construction and rehabilitation across the state. Katsina State Governor Umar Dikko Radda expressed commitment to the fight against banditry and related crimes.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, conveyed optimism for a better 2024, aligning with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. The All Progressives Congress (APC) also applauded the sacrifices made by Nigerians for the country's peace and unity, pledging to fulfill electoral promises.
However, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called on Nigerians to resist what they termed "fascist policies," urging international support for democracy in Nigeria. The PDP criticized alleged anti-democratic actions of the APC administration, including the emasculation of democratic institutions and compromising of electoral and anti-corruption bodies.
As Nigeria enters the new year, President Tinubu's vision sets the stage for economic revitalization, social progress, and a united nation, while political parties present diverse perspectives on the path ahead. The coming months will reveal the extent to which these visions translate into tangible improvements for the Nigerian populace
