The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to addressing the challenges facing Nigerians. Speaking during a live call-in program on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria’s Hausa Service in Kaduna, Idris emphasized the government’s commitment to alleviate suffering in the wake of recent economic hardships.

Idris highlighted the negative impact of the fuel subsidy removal, stating that it primarily benefited a select few while imposing burdens on the broader population. He assured citizens that the government is focused on stabilizing the economy, affirming that no administration would aim for regression.

The minister stressed that the responsibility for improvement lies not just with the National Assembly or executive officials but with all Nigerians. In line with this, he noted that President Tinubu has directed ministers to reduce the cost of governance. This includes limiting the number of official vehicles used for state duties and minimizing the personnel accompanying them on trips.

“President Tinubu is pointing out the need to change from the old ways of doing things in Nigeria,” Idris stated. He explained that during Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings, the president consistently emphasizes the necessity of eliminating unnecessary expenses in governance.

In terms of agriculture, Idris announced that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has been rebranded as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, reflecting a broader approach to tackling agricultural challenges.

On security issues, Idris asserted that the government is actively addressing concerns that predate the Tinubu administration. He revealed ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of security personnel and mentioned that discussions about the establishment of State Police are ongoing.

Additionally, Idris responded to recent public concerns regarding power outages in Northern Nigeria, clarifying that these disruptions were unplanned. He reiterated that no leader would deliberately want their citizens to experience such issues. He noted that President Tinubu is working diligently to find lasting solutions to the recurrent failures of the national power grid. The completion of the AKK Gas Pipeline Project is anticipated to revitalize industries in the Northern region.

Idris encouraged the public to utilize social media positively, countering the growing trend of fake news, which he acknowledged as a significant global issue. He urged citizens to propagate a positive image of Nigeria through these platforms.