…Eyes N1.5tn agricultural boost through BOA – Idris
Federal Government has secured about N250 billion for the development of light rail projects in Kaduna and Kano states as part of efforts to drive infrastructural development at the sub-national level.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, made this known on Monday in Abuja at a world press conference on Nigeria’s 65th Independent Anniversary celebrations.
The minister said President Bola Tinubu is interested in seeing massive development at the sub-national levels.
“Contrary to the perception being pushed at some quarters, this administration has demonstrated uncommon commitment to balanced and inclusive development since assuming office.
“The distribution of capital projects under President Tinubu is equitable. No zone is taking a back seat.
Read also: FG kicks off light rail projects in Kano, Kaduna
“The Federal Government is actively supporting various sub-national infrastructure projects,
“For instance, the light rail projects in Kano and Kaduna states, which fundings are to the tune of N150 billion and N100 billion respectively, have been secured.
“Local Government Areas are also being fiscally reintegrated as catalysts for growth and development, with the financial autonomy that the President is determined to fully make operational,” Idris said.
The Minister explained that all state governments now receive multiples of the revenue they hitherto get from the federation account.
“Thanks to the increased headroom from the oil subsidy removal, the sub-national governments are now able to do a lot more and with less debt,” Idris said.
Federal Government says it is determined to revolutionise the agriculture sector with the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture with N1.5 trillion.
According to Idris, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has left no stone unturned in ensuring that all sectors of the country benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“President Tinubu has also established the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to harness our underutilised potential and transform Nigeria’s livestock sector into a sustainable and globally competitive industry.
“In addition, to spur agricultural production, the Bank of Agriculture has been recapitalised to the tune of N1.5 trillion and is regarded as the most significant boost to agricultural financing in Nigeria.
“This is the reason why the theme of the 65th Independence Anniversary celebration ‘All Hands-on Deck’ message is apt and timely,” he said.
According to the minister, henceforth, no tier of government has any excuse not to fully pull its weight in this collective task of comprehensive economic growth and development
Read also: Abuja Light Rail achieves 250,000 passengers in 100 days
George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), says Nigerians are beginning to witness positive outcomes from the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Akume said that the reforms, though tough, were necessary to stabilise the economy, restore investors’ confidence and lay the foundation for long-term growth.
“Through our mandate, we provide an institutional backbone that drives programmes and initiatives designed to make the Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda not just a slogan, but the reality for Nigerians.
“We are all aware of the economic reforms initiated by this administration.
“They are bold and imaginative, but sometimes difficult, but necessary steps aimed at stabilising our economy, restoring investors’ confidence and laying the foundation for long-term growth.
“Already, we are witnessing positive results. Inflationary pressures are beginning to ease, foreign investment inflows have shown renewed interest, while job creation initiatives are expanding opportunities for our youths,” he said.
According to him, social intervention programmes are also being strengthened to cushion the effects of the reforms on the vulnerable.
The SGF said the independence anniversary, with the theme: “Nigeria at 65: All Hands-on Deck for a Greater Nation,” was a reminder that the responsibility of building the country rested on both government and citizens.
He said that every Nigerian, youths and elders, men and women, public servants and entrepreneurs, farmers and professionals, teachers, traders, military and paramilitary personnel, as well as those in the diaspora have roles to play in nation-building.
Akume said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu had become a framework for national rebirth, inclusivity and sustainable progress, particularly for the youths.
Read also: FG, Kaduna target seamless transit with light rail project
The SGF added that his office, as the engine room of government, was ensuring policy coordination, inter-ministerial synergy and effective implementation of presidential priorities.
Akume used the opportunity to appeal to Nigerians in the spirit of celebration to remain resilient, united and committed to the ideals of peace and progress, which he said were the foundations laid by the nation’s founding fathers.
“Our journey from 1960 to this moment has been marked by triumphs and moments of joy and of testing. But through it all, the Nigerian spirit has remained high and unbroken.
“We have endured challenges in governance, economy, security and social cohesion.
“Our true strength lies in our capacity to consistently rise after every storm, to rebuild after every setback and forge ahead with resilience and faith in our destiny as a nation,” he said
