In a nationwide address, President Bola Tinubu outlined a series of significant reforms and initiatives aimed at improving Nigeria’s economy, youth empowerment, and infrastructure. He emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the Nigerian people and fostering a more prosperous and equitable nation.

CNG Initiative and Economic Relief

President Tinubu highlighted the government’s efforts to reduce transportation costs by approximately 60% through the distribution of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits and the establishment of conversion centers across the country in collaboration with the private sector. This initiative is expected to help curb inflation and alleviate the financial burden on citizens.

Support for Youth and Education

The administration has shown its commitment to the youth by setting up a student loan scheme, with 45.6 billion Naira already processed for payment to students and their respective institutions. President Tinubu encouraged more young Nigerians to take advantage of this opportunity. Additionally, the government has established the Consumer Credit Corporation with over N200 billion to assist Nigerians in acquiring essential products without the need for immediate cash payments.

President Tinubu announced the release of an additional N50 billion each for NELFUND, the student loan program, and the Credit Corporation from proceeds recovered by the EFCC.

Digital and Creative Enterprises Empowerment

The President revealed that $620 million has been secured under the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) program to empower young people and create millions of IT and technical jobs. Despite a setback due to vandalism during protests in Kano, the government remains committed to initiatives like the 3Million Technical Talents scheme, Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), and National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP).

Economic Support and Job Creation

Over N570 billion has been released to the 36 states to expand livelihood support for citizens, benefiting 600,000 nano-businesses, with an additional 400,000 expected to benefit. Furthermore, 75,000 beneficiaries will receive N1 million Micro and Small Business single-digit interest loans starting this month. The government has also established 10 MSME hubs, creating 240,000 jobs, with five more hubs to be completed by October.

Large manufacturers are receiving payments of N1 billion each under single-digit loans to boost manufacturing output and stimulate growth.

Housing and Infrastructure Development

President Tinubu inaugurated the first phase of the Renewed Hope City and Estate in Karsana, Abuja, as part of an ambitious housing initiative. The project is the first of six planned across the nation, with each city featuring a minimum of 1,000 housing units. Additionally, the Renewed Hope Estates will be launched in every state, each comprising 500 housing units, with a goal of completing 100,000 housing units over the next three years. This initiative aims to provide homes, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.

Agriculture and Food Security

To increase food production and reduce prices, the President announced the removal of tariffs and import duties on rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, drugs, and other pharmaceutical and medical supplies for six months. The government is working closely with governors and key ministers to accelerate food production, distributing fertilizers and aiming to cultivate over 10 million hectares of land. Mechanized farming equipment worth billions of Naira has been ordered from the United States, Belarus, and Brazil to support these efforts.

In closing, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to God and the Nigerian people, wishing for continued blessings on the nation. “Thank you very much for your attention, and may God continue to bless our great nation,” he concluded.