By Peter Jene
In a strategic move to mark his first year in office, President Bola Tinubu has mandated his 47 ministers to present comprehensive performance reports to the Nigerian public. This directive underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, aiming to highlight the strides made across various sectors since Tinubu’s inauguration.
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A Low-Key Celebration with a Focus on Results
Announcing the plan for a subdued first-anniversary celebration, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed that starting Thursday, sectoral media briefings would be held by all federal ministers. This approach contrasts with the grand celebrations typically associated with such milestones, emphasizing a results-driven evaluation of Tinubu’s governance.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Idris was flanked by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning. They elaborated on the President’s decision and outlined the forthcoming presentations.
Tinubu’s Ascension to Power
President Bola Tinubu’s ascent to Nigeria’s highest office was marked by a decisive victory in the 2023 presidential election. Declared the winner by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on March 1, 2023, Tinubu, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured 8.7 million votes. He triumphed over Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 6.9 million votes, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who received 6.1 million votes.
Performance-Based Tenure
Tinubu’s administration has emphasized performance from the outset. During a three-day cabinet retreat on November 1, 2023, the President stated unequivocally that ministerial positions would be retained based on performance, with reviews conducted quarterly. “If you are performing, nothing to fear. If you miss the objective, we’ll review it. If no performance, you leave us. No one is an island and the buck stops on my desk,” Tinubu asserted.
Central Delivery Coordination Unit’s Role
The Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU), responsible for tracking and assessing the performance of federal ministries, departments, and agencies, has been at the forefront of this accountability drive. In January 2024, the CDCU trained 140 officials for this purpose. By April, the unit had received performance reports from 20 of the 35 ministries, as revealed by Hadiza Bala-Usman, the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Coordination and head of the CDCU.
Bala-Usman detailed the rigorous assessment process, which involves input from ministers, citizens, and industry experts. The Citizens Delivery Tracker app allows Nigerians to provide feedback on ministerial performance, which is then aggregated into the overall assessment.
Economic Reforms and Initiatives
The Tinubu administration’s first year has been characterized by significant economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy, reducing inflation, and attracting foreign investments. Among the most impactful measures was the termination of the fuel subsidy regime, a move that, while triggering increased fuel and transportation costs, was seen as a necessary step towards economic sustainability.
To mitigate the effects of inflation and support food security, the government allocated substantial funds to the agricultural sector, including N200 billion for boosting productivity. Investments in irrigation and water bodies are transitioning Nigeria from single-season to year-round farming, enhancing agricultural output and food availability.
Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
The administration’s focus on economic diversification and job creation has led to significant support for SMEs. A N75 billion fund has been established to foster the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, contributing to job creation and economic diversification. Additionally, a N100 billion consumer credit fund aims to mobilize the manufacturing sector, stimulating production and economic growth.
Infrastructure Development
Infrastructure development has also been a key priority. The Tinubu administration launched a 100,000 renewable housing programme across seven states to address the housing deficit and stimulate the construction sector. To tackle high transportation costs and promote energy efficiency, the government has directed the purchase of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.
Security and Fiscal Policies
On the security front, the Federal Government has allocated significant portions of the budget to national security and supported the call for state police. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented several reforms to stabilize the foreign exchange market, including unifying multiple exchange rates, encouraging non-oil exports, and restricting forex access for certain imports.
Ministers to Present Detailed Scorecards
As part of the first-anniversary commemoration, ministers will present detailed reports on their achievements. The sectoral briefings will cover various domains, from economic reforms to infrastructural developments and social policies.
Mohammed Idris on the Anniversary Program
Information Minister Mohammed Idris emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency. “From tomorrow, we are going to have ministers come in here to discuss what they are doing in their various ministries consistent with the policies of President Bola Tinubu,” he stated. Idris underscored that the celebration would be low-key, with a focus on the substantive achievements of the administration.
SGF George Akume’s Remarks
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, highlighted the administration’s ambitious agenda aimed at economic revitalization, social inclusion, and infrastructural development. Akume noted that the economic reforms implemented have attracted foreign investments, reduced inflation, and boosted job creation across various sectors.
Budget and Economic Planning
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, outlined the administration’s fiscal strategies. He acknowledged the challenging economic conditions inherited by the Tinubu administration and detailed the Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on eight priority areas crucial for Nigeria’s progress.
Addressing Economic Challenges
Bagudu emphasized the need for difficult decisions to address Nigeria’s economic realities, arguing that true leadership involves confronting these challenges head-on. He highlighted the administration’s efforts to restore a macroeconomic environment conducive to investment, generate revenue, and address under-investment in critical sectors such as security, education, and social welfare.
Focus on Food Security
Food security remains a critical focus, with significant investments in irrigation and water management to enable year-round farming. Similar efforts are being made to revitalize the livestock sector, transitioning it from a source of conflict to an economic growth engine.
Infrastructure and Fiscal Discipline
Bagudu also detailed plans to increase capital expenditure to 39%, the highest in Nigeria’s history, aiming to stimulate economic growth through innovative funds like the N100 billion consumer credit fund and mortgage fund.
National Security and Local Government Autonomy
Significant budget allocations to national security have led to improvements in various states. Tinubu’s administration also supports local government autonomy, ensuring that resources are effectively used to benefit communities.
Comprehensive Budget Plans
Bagudu detailed three significant budgets under Tinubu’s administration, focusing on national security, infrastructure, and cash transfers to support vulnerable populations. These budgets reflect the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and economic reform.
Looking Ahead
As the Tinubu administration marks its first anniversary, the sectoral briefings will provide a transparent and comprehensive overview of the progress made. This approach underscores the administration’s dedication to accountability and its determination to address Nigeria’s economic challenges through strategic reforms and investments.
Stay tuned to Atlantic Post for in-depth coverage and analysis of these sectoral briefings and the ongoing developments in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Peter Jene, is Atlantic Post Senior National Correspondent.
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