In a significant move to address economic hardships, the federal government of Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu, has announced plans to distribute N75,000 in cash to approximately 70 million Nigerians. This initiative was disclosed by Hon. Aliyu Audu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, on January 19, 2025.
Audu emphasized that this cash transfer programme is a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to reducing poverty and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians. The move is part of a broader strategy to implement targeted economic interventions, aiming to mitigate the widespread hardship faced by the populace.
Beyond the cash distribution, Audu highlighted several achievements of Tinubu’s administration. He noted a significant increase in Nigeria’s foreign reserves by $7.69 billion, marking a 23% year-on-year growth, attributed to effective economic policies. This, along with managing debt obligations, has maintained Nigeria’s credibility on the international stage.
In the agricultural sector, the government has taken steps to boost productivity by distributing 255 tractors to farmers, aiming for mechanization to lead to food surpluses. Additionally, Audu mentioned the recovery of $52.88 million in looted funds from the United States, showcasing the administration’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts.
The government’s focus has also been on diversifying from oil dependency, improving non-oil sector revenues, and managing interest rates to increase foreign exchange inflows. These policies have resulted in increased allocations to state and local governments, enabling better local economic management and security enhancements for farmers, which in turn has contributed to a decrease in food prices.
Audu called for more engagement from APC members to communicate these successes to the public as the administration approaches its second anniversary. He underscored the government’s dedication to delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians, indicating a focus on inclusive growth and economic stability.
This initiative comes at a time when President Tinubu has promised a year of economic recovery and prosperity for 2025, with expectations of rising economic growth, falling inflation, and a stabilized naira-to-dollar exchange rate, providing a hopeful outlook for the nation’s economic landscape.
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