The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that Nigeria’s economy is gradually stabilising under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the progress to the administration’s far-reaching reforms across key sectors.
Idris made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving members and newly elected executives of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) during a courtesy visit to his office.
While acknowledging existing challenges, the Minister expressed optimism about the trajectory of the economy, asserting that the government is on the right path.
“The economy is not yet where we want it to be, but we can clearly see a steady improvement. The President has repeatedly said that we are turning the corner. Many will argue that we are not yet at the promised land, and I agree, but to deny the progress being made is inaccurate,” he stated.
He noted that international rating agencies have also recognised the positive momentum in Nigeria’s economic management.
Idris pointed to policy decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates as measures already yielding results.
He also disclosed that about 300,000 students across the country are now benefitting from the Students’ Loan Scheme, which covers tuition and living expenses, courtesy of a targeted initiative by the Federal Government.
“Due to this deliberate and purposeful policy, over 300,000 Nigerian students who would otherwise be out of school now have the opportunity to continue their education. The government is footing the bill for their tuition and supporting their upkeep. This is unprecedented,” he said.
Addressing the nation’s security landscape, the Minister noted that the Federal Government has intensified efforts to curb insecurity, with notable progress recorded against violent criminal elements nationwide.
He appealed to the media to play a constructive role in supporting the Armed Forces by amplifying their successes and sacrifices.
“I have always maintained that it does no good for us as media professionals to elevate criminals, bandits, terrorists, or gangsters, above the law-abiding citizens and the men and women of our security forces who put their lives on the line daily,” he said.
Idris stressed the need for balanced coverage that acknowledges the efforts of security personnel, especially as a counter-narrative to the destructive actions of criminal groups.
He maintained that while the media must continue to hold the government accountable through critical reporting, it should also spotlight the administration’s achievements and initiatives that serve the national interest.
On the Law Reform Report presented by the NGE, the Minister assured that he would engage with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation to begin a detailed review. He also committed to setting up an internal committee within the Ministry of Information to study the recommendations.
Idris reiterated that the Tinubu administration remains fully committed to upholding press freedom and freedom of expression, which he described as fundamental pillars of Nigeria’s democracy. However, he encouraged the media to exercise these freedoms with responsibility and a sense of national duty.
“Freedom of the press must go hand-in-hand with responsibility, patriotism, and a commitment to peace, unity, and national development,” he added.
He also congratulated the newly elected NGE executives and pledged to work closely with them to enhance the relationship between the government and the media industry.
Earlier, the Deputy President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Dr Sebastian Abu, said the purpose of the visit was to formally present the Guild’s Law Reform Committee report. He explained that the document identified several obsolete legal provisions in the constitution that need to be amended or repealed to create a freer and more enabling environment for journalism in Nigeria.
