Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to economic transformation, national security, and religious freedom as key pillars of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at a briefing for members of the diplomatic corps in Abuja, Ambassador Dunama Umar Ahmed the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs—conveying the apologies of the Honourable Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who was unavoidably absent—outlined the administration’s ongoing reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and improving citizens’ welfare.
The Ministry noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria has embarked on “bold, far-reaching and structurally transformative reforms” to restore macroeconomic stability, attract investment, and promote inclusive growth. Among the major policy measures highlighted were the unification of the foreign exchange market and the removal of the fuel subsidy—actions that have enhanced fiscal transparency, improved investor confidence, and redirected public resources toward social welfare and infrastructure.
On energy, the government reported renewed vitality in the oil and gas sector, with crude production exceeding 1.6 million barrels per day following enhanced surveillance and industry engagement. It added that the Dangote Refinery had commenced base operations, while the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries were undergoing full rehabilitation.
The administration’s diversification drive, officials said, is advancing through digital innovation, agriculture, creative industries, and mining sector reforms. Nigeria aims to increase its tax-to-GDP ratio from 10 to 18 per cent by 2026 through ongoing fiscal and tax reforms.
Reiterating government’s focus on human capital development, the Ministry cited the new student loan scheme and expansion of vocational and technical education as landmark interventions to promote inclusion and employment.
On security, the government emphasized its comprehensive approach combining military operations, intelligence gathering, and community engagement, which has reclaimed vast territories from insurgents and enhanced peacebuilding across regions.
The Ministry also addressed recent external concerns about religious freedom, stressing that Nigeria remains a secular state where freedom of religion is constitutionally guaranteed. It described foreign claims of systemic persecution as “unfounded and misinformed,” noting that interfaith harmony continues to thrive through institutions such as the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).
Nigeria, the Ministry affirmed, remains a resilient democracy committed to peace, stability, and global cooperation. It called on international partners to continue engaging with the country based on mutual respect and shared interests.
The reforms introduced by President Tinubu’s administration are not only game changers—indeed, the game itself has changed,” the statement concluded.
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