FG: Nigeria’s economy not perfect yet, but making steady progress

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, says the Nigerian economy is making steady progress under President Bola Tinubu despite ongoing challenges.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday while receiving members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Idris said reforms introduced by the current administration are beginning to bear fruit.

“The economy is not yet what we want it to be, but we can see that there is a steady progression,” the minister said.

“The president has said over and over again that we are turning the corner. I know that many people will say it’s not yet El Dorado—yes, I also agree—but you cannot always say that there is no progress.”

‘REFORMS SHOWING RESULTS’

Idris said international rating agencies have started acknowledging Nigeria’s efforts to stabilise its economy.

“We are seeing some upward ticks in the way our economy is being managed,” he added.

He listed the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates as major policy decisions driving the economic recovery.

The minister also highlighted the government’s student loan scheme as one of the social intervention programmes making an impact.

“Because of this deliberate intentional policy of the government, over 300,000 Nigerian students that hitherto were out of school—or could have been out of school—now have the opportunity to be in school,” he said.

“The government is paying for their tuition and upkeep. This is unprecedented.”

On national security, Idris said the government has made significant progress in the fight against violent criminals.

He called on the media to support the armed forces by highlighting their achievements rather than focusing solely on attacks.

“I have always said that it is not good for us as media practitioners to place emphasis or premium on these criminals, gangsters, and terrorists or bandits or whatever they are, over and above the citizens of this country,” he said.

‘BALANCE CRITICISM WITH PATROTISM’

Idris said while the media has to hold the government accountable, it must also promote unity and progress.

“Journalists must practice with a sense of responsibility and patriotism,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression, describing both as cornerstones of Nigeria’s democracy.

Responding to a report submitted by the guild on outdated media laws, Idris said he would consult with Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, and set up a committee within the ministry to study the recommendations.

Earlier, Sebastian Abu, deputy president of the guild, said the visit was to present the report of the Guild’s Law Reform Committee, which identified provisions needing review to create a freer and more enabling media environment.