In his New Year broadcast to Nigerians on Monday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed gratitude for the grace and benevolence of the past year while acknowledging the challenges faced by the country, News About Nigeria reports.
According to the president, 2023 marked a successful transfer of power in Nigeria’s unbroken democracy.
President Tinubu highlighted the trust placed in him by the citizens and outlined his administration’s commitment to improving the nation.
“Though the past year was a very challenging one, it was eventful in so many ways. For our country, it was a transition year that saw a peaceful, orderly and successful transfer of power from one administration to another, marking yet another remarkable step in our 24 years of unbroken democracy.
“It was a year, you the gracious people of this blessed nation, entrusted your faith in me with a clear mandate to make our country better, to revamp our economy, restore security within our borders, revitalise our floundering industrial sector, boost agricultural production, increase national productivity and set our country on an irreversible path towards national greatness that we and future generations will forever be proud of,” he said.
The President acknowledged the challenging economic circumstances, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and changes in the foreign exchange system, which aimed at addressing unsustainable financial burdens and promoting economic stability.
He empathised with citizens affected by the rising cost of living, high inflation, and underemployment, assuring them that tough times would eventually give way to better conditions.
President Tinubu said that his administration is dedicated to national security and economic recovery.
He said efforts are ongoing to provide a reliable electricity supply, including the Siemens Energy power project and other initiatives to strengthen the national grid.
The President also addressed plans for local refining of petroleum products, with the Port Harcourt Refinery and the Dangote Refinery set to contribute to the country’s energy needs.
To ensure food security, President Tinubu announced plans to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmland across the country, focusing on staple crops like maize, rice, wheat, and millet.
He said a conducive business environment is important, promising to simplify fiscal and tax policies to support local and foreign investments.
In his commitment to address societal challenges, the President announced the implementation of a new national living wage for workers.
He said that there is the need for equal opportunities for Nigerians to strive and thrive, working towards reducing inequality.
President Tinubu concluded his New Year address by calling on all Nigerians to play their part in building a prosperous nation, fostering unity and collaboration.
He extended a message of cooperation to political opponents, urging all to work together for the peace, progress, and stability of the country.
