Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja , Nigeria
In a poignant New Year address, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed gratitude and welcomed the nation to 2024, reflecting on the challenges of the past year while unveiling his administration’s ambitious plans. Acknowledging the citizens’ resilience during a transformative period marked by a peaceful transition of power, he highlighted their commitment to revamp the economy, fortify national security, and propel Nigeria towards enduring greatness.
In a live speech duly monitored by Truth Live News, President Tinubu emphasized that every decision and action taken since assuming office in May 2023 has been rooted in the best interests of the country. Notably, he acknowledged the impact of tough decisions, such as the removal of the fuel subsidy and addressing foreign exchange challenges, stating, “Without doubt, these two decisions brought some discomfort to individuals, families, and businesses.”
Addressing the nation’s concerns about the rising cost of living, high inflation, and an unacceptable underemployment rate, the President empathized with the people’s frustrations, stating, “I am not oblivious to the expressed and sometimes unexpressed frustrations of my fellow citizens.” Despite these challenges, he urged Nigerians to remain resilient, asserting, “The time may be rough and tough, however, our spirit must remain unbowed because tough times never last.”
President Tinubu called on each citizen to pledge to be better contributors to the nation’s progress in the coming year, stating, “Our situation should make us resolve that this new year 2024, each and every one of us will commit to be better citizens.” He emphasized ongoing efforts to address security concerns, stating, “Silently, we have worked to free captives from abductors,” while assuring citizens that the administration is working hard to ensure peace in homes, workplaces, and on the roads.
Highlighting economic recovery plans, President Tinubu revealed plans to expedite critical projects, stating, “Having laid the groundwork of our economic recovery plans within the last seven months of 2023, we are now poised to accelerate the pace of our service delivery across sectors.” Initiatives to enhance power infrastructure and local refining of petroleum products were outlined to ensure steady electricity supply. He affirmed, “To ensure constant food supply, security, and affordability, we will step up our plan to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmlands across the country.”
In the economic sphere, President Tinubu vowed to simplify fiscal and tax policies to create a business-friendly environment, stating, “On every foreign trip I have embarked on, my message to investors and other business people has been the same. Nigeria is ready and open for business.” He announced the implementation of a new national living wage for workers, stating, “It is not only good economics to do this, it is also a morally and politically correct thing to do.”
President Tinubu concluded by reaffirming his overarching ambition, stating, “My major ambition in government is to build a fair and equitable society and close the widening inequality.” He called upon political opponents to collaborate for the collective good of the country, stating, “Election is over. It’s time for all of us to work together for the sake of our country.”
As the President concluded his address, he urged citizens to let their individual lights shine brightly, stating, “Let us resolve that as joint-heirs to the Nigerian Commonwealth, we will work for the peace, progress, and stability of our country.” President Tinubu’s vision sets the stage for a transformative year, emphasizing resilience, economic recovery, and collaborative efforts for a prosperous Nigeria in 2024.