AS Nigeria prepares to mark its 64th Independence Day, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has highlighted the current administration’s significant achievements that have positively impacted citizens’ daily lives.
At a World Press Conference, Akume emphasiSed President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to ease transportation difficulties through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative [1).
The initiative has introduced 30 CNG-powered buses and commissioned a retrofitted CNG train head for the Abuja-Kaduna track, aiming to reduce travel costs by 50%. To encourage conversion to CNG-powered land transportation, the government is distributing CNG conversion kits at no cost to Nigerians.
Key Achievements:
– Economic Growth: Priority given to SMEs to empower Nigerians to start or grow businesses
– Social Investment: Repositioned National Social Investment Programme to address challenges facing the poor, vulnerable, and elderly
– Education: Nigerian Students Loan Fund has disbursed N2.5 billion to 22,120 students
– Security: Enhanced human and institutional capacity of armed services and security agencies to tackle insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping
– Humanitarian Response: Swift and effective response to flooding, with stepped-up planning and prevention strategies
Akume acknowledged the economic challenges faced by Nigerians, assuring that President Tinubu is aware and sympathizes with the situation. Efforts are being made to cushion the immediate impact and create new opportunities through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The press conference marked the beginning of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations, honoring the country’s progress since gaining independence in 1960.