President Plans Low-Key Celebration, Ministers Begin Sectoral Briefings Today**
In commemoration of his first year in office, President Bola Tinubu has instructed his ministers to present their performance reports to Nigerians. Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris announced this at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, stating that the celebration will be marked by sectoral media briefings from the 47 federal ministers starting today.
Idris was accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu. Tinubu was declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on March 1, 2023. Tinubu, representing the All Progressives Congress, received 8.7 million votes, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, who garnered 6.9 million votes, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who secured 6.1 million votes.
At the opening of a three-day cabinet retreat on November 1, 2023, Tinubu emphasized that ministers would retain their positions based on performance, reviewed quarterly. “If you are performing, nothing to fear. If you miss the objective, we’ll review it. If no performance, you leave us. No one is an island and the buck stops on my desk,” he stated.
On January 24, 2024, the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU) trained 140 officials to track and assess the performance of federal ministries, departments, and agencies.
**Performance Reports**
Speaking on Arise TV in April, the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman, who heads the CDCU, confirmed that the unit had received performance reports from at least 20 of the 35 ministries. These reports are a collaborative effort involving ministers, citizens, and industry experts.
Bala-Usman noted, “Our submission is for the first quarter. The ministers have all been asked to submit their performance based on the deliverables.” She added that public feedback via the Citizens Delivery Tracker app will be integrated into the assessments.
Tinubu’s administration has implemented significant reforms to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investments. Key measures include ending the fuel subsidy regime, investing N200 billion in agriculture, providing N75 billion to support SMEs, and launching a N100 billion consumer credit fund. A student loan scheme is set to commence on Friday.
**Sectoral Briefings**
The information minister stated, “From tomorrow, we are going to have ministers come in here to discuss what they are doing in their various ministries consistent with the policies of President Bola Tinubu. The first anniversary of the president will be on a low key, with an emphasis on sectoral briefings by the various ministers. There will be no ceremonies relating to the one year in office of the president.”
SGF Akume highlighted the administration’s ambitious agenda aimed at economic revitalization, social inclusion, and infrastructural development. He noted significant reforms to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investments.
**Economic and Social Policies**
Bagudu outlined the Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on eight priority areas crucial for Nigeria’s progress. He emphasized the need for difficult economic decisions to stimulate investment and generate revenue. Bagudu also mentioned efforts to enhance food security, infrastructure, education, health, the creative economy, the digital economy, and the steel sector.
The administration aims to reduce the fiscal deficit from 6.11% in 2023 to below 4% in 2024 and increase capital expenditure to 39%, the highest in Nigeria’s history. Bagudu highlighted significant budget allocations to national security and the support for local government autonomy.
**Infrastructure and Energy Reforms**
The N130 billion provided for transitioning to compressed natural gas (CNG) is expected to restore energy competitiveness, benefiting the manufacturing and transport sectors. This initiative aims to support economic reforms and reduce energy costs.
In conclusion, Tinubu’s administration is focused on comprehensive economic and social reforms, aiming for long-term stability and growth. The low-key anniversary celebration underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
