By Innocent Onoh
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to throw their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, applauding his administration’s efforts to lay the foundation for a prosperous and inclusive future.
In a statement released to journalists in Lagos, the NOA commended the President for implementing numerous initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of Nigerians, particularly in the wake of the fuel subsidy removal.
The agency emphasized that the ongoing reforms are focused on long-term national development and urged citizens to embrace and benefit from the opportunities being created.
According to the NOA, the Tinubu administration has launched several innovative and people-centered policies addressing economic, social, and infrastructural challenges. These include:
- Student Loan Scheme: Over N2 billion has already been disbursed to assist more than 20,000 students in six universities with tuition fees.
- Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF): A N110 billion fund designed to empower youth in key sectors that drive national economic growth.
- Removal of Fuel Subsidy: Funds saved are being redirected into critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.
- Fibre Optic Expansion Project: Through a Special Purpose Vehicle, the government plans to lay 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables to boost internet access nationwide.
- Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative: Establishment of conversion centers to facilitate the use of compressed natural gas, reducing reliance on petrol.
- Macro-Economic Reforms: Reforms aimed at improving investment inflows, generating revenue, and tackling underinvestment in key areas.
- Tourism Development: The “Doctrine According to Tourism” campaign is focused on empowering local communities through tourism.
- Agricultural and Food Security Initiatives: These include dry season farming on 118,651 hectares across 15 states and a N250 billion agricultural fund.
- National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP): Enhancing Nigerian youth skills to compete globally.
- Infrastructure Development: Ongoing catalytic projects, including the establishment of an Infrastructure Support Fund for states and reactivation of key airport runways.
- Economic Reforms: Unification of the foreign exchange market to stabilize the naira, alongside tax reforms to ease burdens and enhance revenue.
- Social Welfare Programmes: These include a Conditional Cash Transfer of N25,000 monthly to 15 million vulnerable households, N50 billion in grants to one million nano businesses, and N75 billion to support manufacturers.
- Energy Sector Reforms: The signing of the 2023 Electricity Act, payment of legacy gas debts, and infrastructure upgrades under the Siemens Power Project are set to improve power delivery.
- Affordable Housing: The Family Homes Fund targets providing affordable housing for low-income earners.
- Governance and Institutional Reforms: The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee and the newly established National Philanthropy Office (NPO) are working to mobilize private sector support for national development.
- International Investment Initiatives: Nigeria is actively pursuing over $30 billion in foreign direct investment to boost growth across sectors. Additionally, sales of crude oil in naira to local refineries are being permitted to strengthen the local economy.
The NOA urged individuals, community leaders, media professionals, and civil society groups to disseminate information on these empowerment opportunities to ensure widespread access and benefit among Nigerians.