The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu is not influenced by any cabal, stressing that the president listens to a broad range of perspectives but ultimately makes independent, courageous decisions focused solely on Nigeria’s best interests.
Speaking on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit in Abuja, themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far,” Idris portrayed President Tinubu as a leader firmly steering the course of his administration.
In a statement signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Idris explained that the president’s leadership is characterised by openness to diverse ideas followed by clear, autonomous judgment.
He said: “It is important to understand the president well. You can express your views and he will listen, but the final decision rests with him. Recognising this is key.”
The minister reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s dedication to the Renewed Hope Agenda, a comprehensive, people-focused plan for national transformation.
Idris pointed out that the president assumed office at a critical time and swiftly introduced reforms aimed at repositioning the country.
He added: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about making a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians through bold actions intended to unlock the full potential of Nigeria in ways not seen before.”
Among President Tinubu’s earliest moves were the removal of petrol and foreign exchange subsidies, steps described by Idris as long overdue measures to halt the annual loss of billions of dollars caused by inefficiencies and leakages.
The minister acknowledged that while these reforms were initially challenging, they are now delivering sustainable benefits across multiple sectors.
Drawing attention to significant accomplishments under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Idris cited increased government revenues facilitating large-scale infrastructure developments nationwide.
These projects include the construction of four key highways, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Calabar-Abuja Consumer Credit Scheme to assist workers in accessing essential goods.
On the security front, Idris reported that the military has neutralised thousands of threats and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages.
The government has also acquired over 25 new aircraft and four naval vessels to strengthen the nation’s defence capabilities.
Furthermore, the administration has established the Ministry of Livestock Development and set up Regional Development Commissions in the six geopolitical zones to promote inclusive and sectoral growth.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is holistic and centred on the people. Behind every programme and policy of the Tinubu administration is an ordinary Nigerian whose life is being positively transformed,” Idris said.
He elaborated: “A Nigerian gaining fair access to personal or business financing; a Nigerian benefiting from falling food prices; a Nigerian enjoying more affordable transportation through CNG; a Nigerian grateful for access to on-grid or off-grid electricity via one of the administration’s power initiatives; a Nigerian whose child can attend university thanks to NELFUND.”
The minister also reaffirmed the recent launch of the Renewed Hope Nigeria First policy, which requires all federal ministries, departments, and agencies to prioritise Nigerian-made goods and services in public procurement.
He described this policy as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s path towards economic self-sufficiency and industrial growth.
“This,” Idris added, “is historically significant, with the ultimate goal of accelerating industrialisation through local production and protecting the Nigerian economy from global disruptions. We thank Mr President for this deeply nationalistic policy and for laying the groundwork for Nigeria’s Economic Renaissance.”
