As President Tinubu marks one year in office
By: Offor David
Today, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which began on May 29, 2023.
Considering the state of the nation at the time he took over, we can say that though the journey has been challenging, the administration has made significant differences.
To salvage the economy he inherited and put the country on the path to greatness, President Tinubu has taken bold steps, major amongst them is removing fuel subsidies and floating the Naira.
These measures I must admit have caused temporary pain and anguish for many Nigerians, making it difficult for some to access basic necessities like food.
However, these steps were necessary to prevent the country’s collapse, as trillions of naira were being spent on fuel subsidies that benefited neighboring countries and a few privileged Nigerians, while billions of dollars were being used monthly to defend the Naira.
Despite these challenges, President Tinubu has remained focused and passionate on delivering dividends of Democracy to Nigerians
One of the significant achievements of his administration is clearing the $7 billion backlog, which had deterred investors and businesses, now, foreign investors confidence in the Nigerian market has redoubled
The newly launched Student Loan and Consumer Credit Scheme are also notable policies, the student loan will enable applicants to acquire first-degree education with skills without immediate payment worries, the consumer credit will provide platforms for Nigerians to acquire properties, goods, and services through flexible payment systems.
These policies are unprecedented in our society and are expected to create massive jobs and boost the economy.
In terms of infrastructure, President Tinubu’s administration has transformed Nigeria into a construction site, with Minister David Umahi leading the charge. The construction and rehabilitation of road networks across the country are unprecedented, the icing being the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, a multi-trillion naira initiative that will open up our coastal routes.
The Port Harcourt to Aba section of the Eastern Railway has also commenced commercial operations under this government.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has made significant strides in infrastructural development, commercializing the Abuja Metro train and opening roads and bridges in the capital city.
The days of queuing for weeks to get the green passport are over, thanks to Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and his team, who have cleared the backlog and made the process seamless.
E-gates have been introduced in airports, borders are being equipped with automated security apparatus, correctional centers are under reconstruction/rehabilitation, and manufacturers and small businesses are receiving soft loans to boost their operations.
Security has improved significantly
Dry season farming has been introduced to reduce food scarcity, and policies like Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) and 3MTT aims to train millions of Nigerians to be skilled and competitive globally.
The Renewed Hope cities program has also begun, enabling millions of Nigerians to acquire low-cost housing across the country.
From aviation to health to education and fiscal policies, this administration has recorded significant successes.
While we are not yet where we want to be, we are steadily progressing.
Nigerians should come together to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and help it succeed, as it means well.