The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that Nigeria’s economy is showing steady signs of improvement due to the series of reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since he assumed office in May 2023.
Idris made this statement in Abuja on Wednesday while receiving members and newly elected executives of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) during a courtesy visit to his office. According to him, although the country is still facing challenges, the economy is moving in the right direction, with gradual progress being recorded in several key areas.
“The economy is not yet what we want it to be but we can see that there is a steady progression. The President has said over and over again that we are turning the corner. I know that many people will say it’s not yet El-dorado. Yes! I also agree but you cannot always say that there is no progress,” the Minister said.
He added that global rating agencies have started to take note of Nigeria’s economic direction, with improved ratings and increased investor confidence showing that reforms are working.
Key among these reforms, according to the Minister, are the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates. He stated that these policies, though initially painful, are beginning to yield benefits that will serve the long-term interest of the country.
Highlighting specific achievements, Idris disclosed that about 300,000 Nigerian students are currently benefitting from the new Students Loan Scheme, which is funded by the Federal Government. He said the initiative is covering tuition fees and offering support for the upkeep of students, especially those who would have been unable to continue their education due to financial constraints.
“Because of this deliberate intentional policy of the government, over 300,000 Nigerian students that hitherto were out of school or could have been out of school, now have the opportunity to be in school because the government is paying for their tuition and upkeep. This is unprecedented,” he said.
On security, the Minister stated that the Federal Government is not relenting in its fight against terrorism and other violent crimes. He said security agencies are making significant progress and called on the media to play a more supportive role in publicising the efforts of the Armed Forces rather than focusing solely on the activities of criminal groups.
“I have always said that it is not good for us as media practitioners to place emphasis or premium on these criminals, gangsters and terrorists or bandits or whatever they are, over and above the citizens of this country,” Idris said.
He urged journalists to amplify the success stories and sacrifices made by the security agencies, noting that such reporting would boost morale and contribute to national unity. The Minister further stressed that while it is important for the media to criticise the government when necessary, it must also balance this with the promotion of national interests and achievements.
Speaking on press freedom, Idris reiterated the administration’s commitment to upholding freedom of the press and expression, calling these values fundamental to Nigeria’s democracy. He, however, appealed to media organisations to carry out their duties responsibly and patriotically.
“The policy thrust of the Tinubu administration is its unwavering commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression. But this freedom must be exercised with a strong sense of responsibility and patriotism,” the Minister said.
In response to a Law Reform Report submitted by the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Idris assured that his ministry would study the report carefully and engage with the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation. He added that a committee would be set up to assess the recommendations, especially those concerning outdated laws that affect media practice in Nigeria.
Earlier in the meeting, the Deputy President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Dr. Sebastian Abu, explained that the Guild’s visit was to officially present the report of the Law Reform Committee. He said the report contains recommendations aimed at updating outdated laws that hinder press freedom and professional journalism in the country.
The Minister also congratulated the newly elected executives of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and pledged to work closely with the media to bridge the gap between the government and the public.
