After the fireworks and the greetings it is now a known fact. WE ARE NOW IN THE NEW YEAR. The President addresses the nation giving its citizens a New Year message.
President Tinubu reflected on the past year and acknowledged its difficulties. He also spoke concerning the suffering Nigerians had to endure. However, he remained optimistic despite all hardship. He said,
“Though 2024 posed numerous challenges to our citizens and households, I am confident that the New Year will bring brighter days.”
He shared this optimism due to the plans he had to make the nation better. He pointed out indicators of an already improving economy in the past year: Decreases fuel price, rising fuel reserves and strong Naira.
“The Naira has strengthened against the US dollar, bringing greater stability,” he explained
We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6 percent to 15 percent.”
With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people.”
My administration will further consolidate and increase access to credit.”
He also spoke of reducing the inflation rate from 34.6% to15%. He did not stop at stating the plan but went on to explain how this goal would be achieved.
To achieve this, the Federal Government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.
“The company—expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter—is a partnership of government institutions, such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the private sector, and multilateral institutions.
“This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and better living standards for our people,” he assured citizens.
In his message he also spoke to the leaders working at the state and local level.
“Let me use this New Year’s message to urge our governors and local council chairpersons to work closely with the central government to seize emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms and move our nation forward,” he appealed.
“I will unveil the National Values Charter, already approved by the Federal Executive Council, in the first quarter of 2025.
“I will launch an ambitious national orientation campaign that fosters patriotism and love for our country and inspires citizens to rally together.
“The Charter will promote mutual commitments between the government and citizens and foster trust and cooperation among our diverse population and between the government and the citizens.”
We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone.”
He reassures citizens and encouraged them not to get distracted while viewing situations from a warped lens.
“Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion,” he declared.
On conclusion, the President expressed his gratitude to the nation and asked for citizens cooperation.
“On a personal note, thank you for placing your confidence in me as your President. Your trust humbles me, and I promise to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly.
“I seek your cooperation and collaboration at all times as we pursue our goal of a one trillion-dollar economy. Let us stay focused and united. To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain over the past 19 months.
“I assure you they will not be in vain even in the months ahead. Together, let us stay the course of nation-building. As we enter 2025, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. May you be rich in joy, success, and good health. By the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfill our collective desires.”
