We’ve made progress in socio-economic devt. – Tinubu

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said his administration had made progress in returning the country to the path of socio-economic development.

The President said this in a statement in Abuja to mark the second anniversary of his administration.

“When we embarked on this journey, propelled by a burst of hope and abiding faith in Nigeria’s unity and progress, I made a pledge before God and fellow countrymen and women to confront Nigeria’s challenges head-on.

“We have breathed new life into the Solid Minerals sector as part of our efforts to diversify the economy.

“Revenue has increased phenomenally, and investors are setting up processing plants as the sector dumps the old pit-to-port policy and embraces a new value-added policy,” said Tinubu.

He stated that his administration had also repositioned the health sector in spite of all odds.

“Over 1,000 Primary Health Centres are being revitalised nationwide. An additional 5,500 PHCs are being upgraded under our Renewed Hope Health Agenda.

“We are establishing six new cancer treatment centres. Three are ready. We offer free dialysis services in pilot tertiary hospitals and subsidise the service in others.

“Under the Presidential Maternal Health Initiative, over 4,000 women have undergone free caesarean sections. Lastly, we have expanded Health Insurance Coverage from 16 million to 20 million within two years,” he said.

The President said his government had also prioritised human capital development as a central pillar of national development strategy.

“To this end, we have significantly expanded access to quality education through infrastructure investments and the student loan scheme to support indigent students in tertiary institutions.

“Through the Renewed Hope Health initiative, our administration has begun equipping health facilities and deploying skilled personnel to unserved areas. We are also strengthening our response to public health threats and implementing targeted social investment schemes,” he said.

According to the President, his administration’s youth empowerment initiatives include access to funds, skill development, and creating employment opportunities.

“Through our MSME support, we empower the next generation and bridge inequality.

“In our mission to empower the next generation, we have taken bold steps to place young Nigerians at the heart of national development.

“Nowhere is this more evident than at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), where the current management is making giant strides,” Tinubu said.

According to him, NASENI has embraced a digital-first approach, introduced real-time dashboards, and implemented end-to-end e-procurement through its Unified ERP System – setting a new governance benchmark for public institutions.

“Through bold, high-impact programmes like Innovate Naija, Irrigate Nigeria, the Asset Restoration Programme, and the Renewable Energy and Innovation Park in Gora, NASENI drives inclusive industrialisation at scale.

“From assembling electric vehicles and reviving idle assets to launching Africa’s most advanced Rapid Diagnostic Kit Factory and training female drone engineers through the NASCAV programme, these initiatives are creating jobs, restoring dignity to work, and opening up a future of possibilities for our youth.

“This is the movement we promised – a government of action powered by the energy and innovation of young Nigerians,” he said.

Tinubu said that agriculture and food security were top priorities of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We have launched aggressive initiatives to boost local food production, support farmers, and stabilise food prices.

“We have also invested in mechanised farming by procuring thousands of tractors, other farming tools, and fertilisers,” he said

The President also said that Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the federal government had continued with major road construction and rehabilitation projects across all geopolitical zones.

He cited some of the road projects as the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, the 9th Mile-Otukpo-Makurdi Road, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Road.

Others are: the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Oyo-Ogbomosho Road, Sokoto-Badagry Road, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Second Niger Bridge Access Road to Bodo-Bonny Road among hundreds of ongoing road projects across the country.

He said his administration had also launched initiatives to improve electricity generation by upgrading generation and transmission infrastructure and investing in off-grid solar energy to power homes, business premises, industries, schools and hospitals.

Tinubu said in the spirit of democracy and national renewal, his administration was preparing to welcome the world to Nigeria soon for the Motherland Festival.

“This landmark gathering will spotlight our rich heritage, dynamic creative industries, and the vibrant energy of our people. It will showcase Nigeria’s beauty through tourism, culture, and innovation, inviting the world to rediscover our nation.

“The Nigerian diaspora plays a vital role in our national transformation. Their expertise, investment, and global perspective are key to shaping the future we seek.

“In recognition, the government has introduced policies like the diaspora bond and the non-resident Bank Verification Number to make it easier for Nigerians abroad to invest, engage, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress,” he explained.

He said the Motherland Festival would bring together voices from across the continent and the diaspora in a decisive moment of unity and purpose, affirming that Nigeria is not only a leader in Africa but a committed global partner ready to engage, inspire and lead.

The President acknowledged the sacrifices many Nigerians had made and continued to make as his administration repositioned the country, not just for today but for generations yet unborn.

“Our journey is not over, but our direction is clear. So, is our resolve to tackle emerging challenges. By the Grace of God, we are confident that the worst is behind us.