After the N27.5 trillion budget for 2024 is approved by the National Assembly, Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation, expressed optimism that it will usher in a revolutionary period in the nation.
The Minister said that the budget represented a critical step towards the realisation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda while speaking on Saturday to officially inaugurate the Kaduna State branch of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) 2023 Annual Public Lecture/AGM/Awards & Election.
He declared, “He just gave the National Assembly the 2024 Appropriations Bill, which is N27.5 trillion and represents his administration’s first full-year budget. By coordinating budgetary policies and priorities with more general goals for national development, the budget as it has been presented is a critical step towards the realisation of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Apart from emphasising development priorities, the budget also shows a dedication to responsible financial management. The administration of President Tinubu understands that sound financial management is the cornerstone of sustained economic stability.
We have high hopes that the 2024 appropriations bill, if passed by lawmakers, will usher in a revolutionary period that will significantly enhance the quality of life for Nigerians.
Prior to this week’s budget presentation, President Tinubu had signed a number of historic Bills and Executive Orders into law, approved an equally significant Supplementary Budget, and launched special presidential initiatives on MSME support, food security, fiscal policy reform, compressed natural gas (CNG), and other vital economic sectors. The intention has been to provide aid to the Nigerian people while establishing the foundation for genuine, long-term prosperity.
Let me remind everyone that “Inclusivity,” or inclusive policies and initiatives for all facets of society, particularly women and youth, is one of the cornerstones of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Eight-Point Agenda.
“This is evident in the President’s current appointment slate, which includes the significance bestowed upon women and young people. This is not to argue that we can sit back and relax because we have accomplished enough. No.
“We have more to do, and I promise that President Tinubu will keep pushing the boundaries in this area.
“More significantly, the Tinubu Administration has been implementing policies aimed at fostering an environment that will allow Nigerians to prosper, regardless of their demographic composition, in addition to appointments and representation.
“We have to admit that the government took office during a very trying period in the history of our country. However, President Tinubu has taken on every inherited task head-on.
“A transformational leader with a strong background in both the corporate and subnational government spheres leads Nigeria as president. A man who has repeatedly stated he does not require compassion or pity because he sincerely applied for and was hired for the position, and who will not be deterred by difficulties or setbacks.
The Minister, who is a member of NIPR, also stated that he is prepared to assist in its growth.
Let me talk about a very important topic that I am quite familiar with, which has to do with the necessity of having a permanent secretariat for the NIPR Kaduna Chapter, he said. I pledge to assist in making sure that this is accomplished as soon as possible.
The National Institute of Public Information (NIPI), a training division of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, is another area of concern. It is currently in disarray.
Reviving the NIPI would necessitate a wide-ranging, goal-oriented partnership with the NIPR in order to teach Nigerians in a variety of professions and activities and enhance the capabilities of information officers working for government ministries, departments, and agencies. I assure you that the NIPI will be brought back to life under my direction.
“We must always remember the vital role that communication and information play in the advancement of any nation or civilization. For this reason, one of the most significant professional associations in Nigeria at the moment is, in my opinion, the NIPR.
“As information managers, we have a significant impact on how reliable the information the general public receives. Whether or not citizens are inspired and motivated to give their all to nation-building depends on this information; otherwise, they may succumb to discouragement and demoralisation.
As the Minister of National Orientation and Information, I therefore reiterate the dedication of my Ministry and the Administration to promoting open, honest, and thorough public communication that provides citizens with timely, accurate, and helpful information. The NIPR is a key partner in this effort, and I expect you to continue to uphold this duty.
