By Omowumi Omotosho
The president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his New Year message, has assured Nigerians of a brighter future in 2025, pledging to address economic challenges, foster unity, and prioritize youth inclusion.
Acknowledging the struggles of the past year, Tinubu expressed optimism for the future. “As the new year dawns, it brings many hopes, aspirations, and prospects for better days. By the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfill our collective desires,” he said
Highlighting signs of economic recovery, Tinubu noted improvements in key indicators. โFuel prices have gradually decreased, and we recorded foreign trade surpluses in three consecutive quarters. Foreign reserves have risen, and the Naira has strengthened against the US dollar, bringing greater stability,โ he stated.
Despite these gains, the president acknowledged persistent challenges. โThe cost of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many Nigerian households in 2024,โ he admitted, pledging to address the issue by โboosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies.โ
Tinubu also set an ambitious target to reduce inflation. โWe are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and Godโs help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people,โ he said.
To support economic growth, the president announced plans to establish the National Credit Guarantee Company by mid-2025. โThis initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support underserved groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialization, and better living standards for our people,โ Tinubu explained.
The company, he said, will be a partnership involving government institutions, the private sector, and multilateral organizations.
Tinubu called for unity and patriotism, emphasizing the need for shared values to drive national progress. โTo achieve our national goals and objectives, we must become better citizens and uncompromising in our devotion and allegiance to Nigeria,โ he said.
He announced plans to launch the National Values Charter in the first quarter of 2025. โThe Charter will promote mutual commitments between the government and citizens and foster trust and cooperation among our diverse population,โ Tinubu explained.
The president also revealed an upcoming national orientation campaign to inspire love for the country. โAs far-reaching and foundational as our reforms are, they can produce the desired outcomes only through shared common values and identities and unconditional love for our country,โ he added.
As part of his commitment to youth development, Tinubu announced the inauguration of a Youth Confab in early 2025. โThis is a testament to our commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders,โ he said, adding that details would be released by the Ministry of Youth.
Tinubu urged governors and local council leaders to work closely with the federal government on key initiatives. โLet me use this New Yearโs message to urge our governors and local council chairpersons to seize emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms to move our nation forward,โ he stated.
He commended states that have adopted compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles, describing them as steps towards energy transition. โThe Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states,โ Tinubu assured.
Addressing Nigerians directly, Tinubu acknowledged their sacrifices over the past 19 months. โYour sacrifices have not been in vain, and I assure you they will not be in vain even in the months ahead,โ he said.
He urged citizens to stay united, warning against divisive tendencies. โWe are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone. 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,โ Tinubu stated.
Concluding his address, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable growth and reforms. โThe New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams,โ he said, wishing Nigerians a happy and prosperous 2025.
