President Bola Tinubu has directed his ministers to share their performance reports with the public to mark his first year in office, aiming to showcase the administration’s accomplishments and ongoing initiatives to tackle Nigeria’s issues.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this information during a press conference in Abuja, announcing that the anniversary celebrations would be modest, with federal ministers conducting sector-specific media briefings starting the following day.
The press conference also included Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, alongside Idris.
Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election was confirmed by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, with 8.7 million votes on March 1, 2023.
During a cabinet retreat on November 1, 2023, President Tinubu stressed that ministers would be evaluated based on their performance, with quarterly reviews determining their retention in office. He emphasized accountability and stated that underperforming ministers would be replaced.
The CDCU, which is the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, has the responsibility of monitoring and evaluating the performance of various federal ministries, departments, and agencies. According to Hadiza Bala-Usman, who serves as the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, the CDCU has received performance reports from a minimum of 20 out of the 35 ministries.
Under the Tinubu administration, significant reforms have been implemented to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investments. These reforms include the removal of the fuel subsidy, despite the resulting increase in fuel and transportation costs, which have contributed to food inflation and increased hardships.
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Additionally, the administration has allocated N200 billion to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security, while also investing in irrigation and water bodies to support year-round farming. Furthermore, N75 billion has been provided to support small and medium-sized enterprises, with the aim of promoting job creation and economic diversification.
4. In order to boost the manufacturing sector and promote economic growth, the launch of a consumer credit fund worth N100 billion has been announced.
5. To increase access to tertiary and vocational education, a student loan scheme will be introduced, with operations set to begin on Friday.
6. A renewable housing program, spanning across seven states and aiming to provide 100,000 housing units, will be initiated. Additionally, the purchase of compressed natural gas buses will be directed to address transportation costs and promote energy efficiency.
The administration has placed a strong emphasis on national security, allocating significant funds towards this cause and supporting the transition towards state police. Efforts have also been made to improve crude oil production, which has been hindered by inadequate investment in infrastructure and security measures.
Minister Bagudu has highlighted that the administration inherited a struggling economy with low revenue but remains committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda focuses on eight priority areas crucial for Nigeria’s progress, including macroeconomic reforms to stimulate investment and generate revenue for sectors such as security, education, and social welfare.
The administration has allocated substantial budgets to various sectors, including a provision of N130 billion for the transition to compressed natural gas, aimed at restoring energy competitiveness.
As President Tinubu’s first year in office comes to an end, the emphasis on transparency and accountability through performance reports reflects his dedication to driving Nigeria’s economic revitalization and ensuring sustainable growth.
Despite the challenges faced, the administration’s reforms have gained recognition from international agencies and leaders, indicating a positive trajectory for the nation’s future.
