By Ibironke Ariyo
An NGO, Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse Initiative (AKH-TRACADA) said Nigeria is recording significant strides in economy and security under President Bola Tinubu’s stewardship.
The Founder of the NGO, Primate Belonwu Ezeanyaeche, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja to commemorate the 64th Independence Anniversary of the nation.
Ezeanyaeche said that the Tinubu administration had also delivered on key promises of its Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the government’s bold economic reforms, including the removal of unsustainable fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market, had redirected funds to critical sectors such as health, education and infrastructure.
“These measures have reduced oil imports by 50 per cent, increased investor confidence and made the Nigerian Stock Exchange the best performing stock exchange in the world,” he said.
However, he said that by modernizing and equipping security agencies, the President had also prioritized the security of life and property and had recorded significant achievements.
He added that because of its concerns about the security challenges facing the country, the group carefully reviewed what had been done since Tinubu’s inauguration to bring peace and stability to troubled areas of the country.
He said: “Thousands of hostages have regained their freedom, over 9,300 hostilities have been neutralized.”
“Over 7,000 terrorists, bandits and criminals arrested, including the recovery of over 4,800 different weapons and 93,900 rounds of ammunition.
“The government has also launched initiatives to combat banditry and cattle rustling, including the N50 billion Pulako initiative,” he said.
The founder of the NGO explained that the Tinubu administration has also made significant strides in boosting agriculture, developing energy and natural resources and promoting economic growth.
Ezeanyaeche added that the Dry Season Agriculture Initiative, funded by $134 million from the African Development Bank, aims to promote year-round agriculture on 500,000 hectares of farmland.
He noted that the partnership with American company John Deere would see the delivery of 2,000 tractors annually for five years.
“The Green Imperative program, a $1 billion bilateral partnership with Brazil, provides training, machinery and equipment to farmers.
“The Renewed Hope program increases the efficiency of the oil and gas sector and ensures that local communities and the country benefit from robust natural resources.
“Nigeria’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) production has increased from 57% to 70% by 2023.
“Programs such as the Three Million Technical Talent Initiative and the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) program equip young people with digital skills.
“The National Employment Center connects employers with qualified candidates, streamlining the hiring process.
He said the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) also addresses the country’s infrastructure financing gap and aims to raise N20 trillion.
He said the projects include the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, the Sokoto-Badagry expressway and modernized ports and aviation facilities.
He said the government has prioritized primary healthcare and expanded the number of centers from 8,800 to 17,000.
“The Student Loans Act and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund expand access to education. “Social protection programs include cash transfers for vulnerable families and microcredit programs for traders and farmers,” he said.
He said, however, that the Tinubu administration had also made significant progress in improving governance, accelerating economic diversification and promoting social protection.
He added that the government has also implemented several policy initiatives, including the Citizen Mobilization and Participation Application and the Citizen Delivery Tracking Application, to improve transparency and accountability.
“As part of its anti-corruption efforts, the government also strengthened anti-corruption institutions, launched national-level campaigns, and prosecuted high-profile cases.
“In the area of sports development, the Ministry of Sports has achieved important milestones, including a significant budget allocation, debt settlement of national football teams and investments in infrastructure.
“The government has also promoted gender inclusion through key appointments, economic empowerment programs and initiatives for women with disabilities,” he added.
Ezeanyaeche believes that President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda aims to transform Nigeria in several areas and ensure sustainable development and a better quality of life for all Nigerians.
He said the government’s efforts have yielded positive results and demonstrated its commitment to economic growth, diversification and good governance.
“Under the leadership of President Tinubu, Nigeria is poised for lasting progress and a better future.
“We believe that Tinubu’s commitment to democracy and his visionary leadership have inspired the confidence of Nigerians and promise hope and change for the nation” he said.
