TINUBU: 'A New Nigeria Is Possible' By Idris Kwando

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in his determination to build a stronger, more prosperous and more developed Nigeria deserves to be supported, applauded and commended.

I know very well that Nigeria is still facing serious challenges, especially insecurity, the high cost of living, unemployment and other economic difficulties. We must never pretend that these problems do not exist. However, while acknowledging our challenges, we should also recognise the efforts and reforms being made to move our country forward.

Under President Tinubu’s administration, important steps have been taken in several critical areas of national development.

Economy: The government has pursued major economic and fiscal reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, improving government revenue, attracting investment and creating a stronger foundation for sustainable growth. The administration says these reforms have helped improve fiscal stability and investor confidence.

Infrastructure: Major road, railway, energy and other infrastructure projects are being developed across different parts of the country. According to the Presidency, more than 2,700 kilometres of highways and major roads are under construction, rehabilitation or reconstruction, including major projects connecting different regions of Nigeria.

Agriculture and Food Security: The government is investing in mechanisation, improved farm inputs, irrigation, financing, agricultural value chains and food production. Plans under the 2026 budget include major support for tractors, storage, processing and climate-resilient agriculture.

Education: Education remains another important area. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has expanded access to higher education by providing financial support to students who might otherwise struggle to continue their studies. The government has also continued investments in educational infrastructure through programmes such as TETFund.

Youth and Technology: Our young people are the future of Nigeria. The administration has placed emphasis on digital skills, technical education, entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and opportunities for young Nigerians to participate in the modern economy.

Energy and Power: Steps are also being taken to address longstanding problems in the electricity sector, including transmission infrastructure, metering, renewable energy and the financial challenges affecting the power sector.

Security: We cannot talk about development without talking about security. Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality remain serious threats to our nation. President Tinubu and our Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies must continue doing everything possible to protect the lives and property of Nigerians. The government says security operations, intelligence gathering, surveillance, equipment and inter-agency cooperation are being strengthened.

My message is simple: let us acknowledge both the progress and the challenges.

Government must continue to listen to Nigerians, work harder to reduce the hardship faced by ordinary citizens, strengthen security, create jobs, improve electricity, support farmers and businesses, and ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach every Nigerian.

At the same time, we as citizens also have a responsibility. Nigeria belongs to all of us. We must reject hatred, division, tribalism and violence. We must support anything that genuinely moves our country forward while respectfully holding our leaders accountable where improvement is needed.

I believe Nigeria has enormous potential. With good leadership, honest citizens, competent institutions, peace, unity and continuous investment in our people, we can build the Nigeria we all dream of.

May Almighty God continue to guide and protect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our Armed Forces, the Police and all security personnel who are working to protect our nation.

May God give our leaders wisdom and strength to overcome our challenges.

May God bless our farmers, workers, students, entrepreneurs and young people.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

One Nigeria. One People. One Future.

Kwando is the Director, Human Resources of The Progressive Institute TPI-ABUJA