President Bola Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Economic Growth, National Unity, and Citizen Engagement
As Nigerians usher in 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt wishes for a prosperous New Year, emphasizing optimism for brighter days ahead and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling the challenges that have beset the nation.
In his annual New Year address, President Tinubu highlighted significant strides in the economy and outlined strategic initiatives aimed at fostering prosperity, unity, and citizen engagement.
Economic Outlook for 2025: A Year of Promise
President Bola Tinubu expressed confidence in the country’s economic trajectory, pointing to positive indicators for the year ahead. Despite the hardships faced in 2024, including high inflation and rising costs of living, President Tinubu stressed that the new year presents a fresh opportunity to build on recent achievements.
“By the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfill our collective desires,” he stated, citing a number of economic milestones that have set the stage for growth.
Among the highlights are a decrease in fuel prices, surpluses in foreign trade for three consecutive quarters, an increase in foreign reserves, and a strengthening of the Naira against the US dollar. The Nigerian stock market’s record growth has also contributed to the generation of trillions of naira in wealth.
However, PBAT acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by households, particularly concerning food prices and essential drugs. To address these, the government is prioritizing the promotion of local food production and the manufacturing of essential medical supplies. With the goal of reducing inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%, Tinubu assured citizens that the government will take decisive action to provide relief.
“With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people,” he affirmed.
Credit Access and Economic Empowerment
In a bid to further bolster economic growth, President Tinubu announced plans to expand access to credit for individuals and critical sectors. A new initiative, the National Credit Guarantee Company, will be established to support financial institutions and enterprises, particularly those in underserved sectors such as women and youth.
Set to begin operations by the end of the second quarter of 2025, the company will be a collaboration between government agencies, private sector entities, and multilateral institutions. This initiative is expected to drive industrial growth, job creation, and improved living standards for Nigerians.
Nation-Building: Citizenship and Unity
At the core of the President’s message was a call for unity and a renewed commitment to nation-building. Highlighting the importance of moral rectitude, ethical principles, and national loyalty, President Tinubu called on Nigerians to embrace their shared identity and collective responsibility.
In support of these values, President Tinubu announced the upcoming launch of the National Values Charter, which aims to instill a culture of patriotism and cooperation among the country’s diverse population. The Charter, already approved by the Federal Executive Council, will be unveiled in the first quarter of 2025.
“As far-reaching and foundational as our reforms are, they can produce the desired outcomes only through shared common values and unconditional love for our country,” Tinubu remarked.
President Tinubu also highlighted the significance of youth inclusion in the national development process, with the launch of the Youth Confab slated for the first quarter of 2025. This conference will provide a platform for young Nigerians to contribute to the nation’s growth and prosperity, with the Ministry of Youth set to announce the selection process soon.
Collaborative Governance and Infrastructure Development
In his message, President Tinubu also called for greater collaboration between the federal government, state governors, and local council chairpersons to seize emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms. He commended governors who have adopted eco-friendly initiatives such as the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles, underscoring the government’s continued support for such initiatives.
“I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport. I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition,” Tinubu said.
A Call for Continued Sacrifice and Patience
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu concluded his address by acknowledging the sacrifices made by Nigerians over the past 19 months, assuring citizens that these sacrifices would not be in vain. As the country continues its journey towards a brighter future, Tinubu urged all citizens to stay the course of nation-building.
“Together, let us stay the course of nation-building. The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams,” he stated.
In closing, President Tinubu reiterated his gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Nigerian populace and vowed to continue serving with dedication. He called for unity in the face of challenges, stressing that the nation’s success lies in the collective efforts of all Nigerians.
“Happy New Year and a prosperous 2025 to you all! May God bless you, and may God bless our beloved country, Nigeria,” he concluded.
