2027: Idris urges Niger APC leaders to back Tinubu’s reforms, consolidate gains

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Thursday urged leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and help consolidate gains in the economy, security, infrastructure, education and human capital development.

Idris made the call in Abuja after receiving the Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of the 25 Local Government Areas of Niger State, who paid him a solidarity visit.

“All of us must join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu so that he can consolidate the gains that we have already achieved and put Nigeria on a sound economic footing.”

The Minister said President Tinubu inherited a difficult economic and security situation when he assumed office in May 2023, noting that the country’s economic foundation was under severe pressure, while insecurity had significantly affected Nigerians’ lives and livelihoods.

“It is very easy to forget where we were coming from, but today that situation has changed significantly. We now have the fiscal headroom to undertake the developmental projects that Nigerians are seeing across the country.”

Idris said the removal of the fuel subsidy had created additional resources for the Federal Government and subnational governments to invest in agriculture, roads, healthcare, education and youth development.

He noted that the administration’s reforms were also helping to restore investor confidence, pointing to the return of investors and improved capacity for foreign businesses operating in Nigeria to repatriate their earnings.

The Minister highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, noting that federal road construction was ongoing across the states of the federation.

On security, Idris acknowledged that challenges remained but said the country was witnessing gradual progress towards restoring normalcy.

“Are we yet there? No. Do we still have challenges? Yes. But are we seeing a progressive journey towards restoring normalcy in this country? Yes.”

He also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that the programme had enabled more than one million young Nigerians to access tertiary education by easing the financial burden of tuition and upkeep.

According to the Minister, the Federal Government is also expanding opportunities in agriculture, the non-oil sector and solid minerals, while regional development commissions are being used to bring development closer to communities and enable them to address their specific needs.

Idris urged APC leaders to maintain unity and resolve internal disagreements through dialogue, stressing that the party must remain focused on strengthening the administration and sustaining its development agenda.

He said the progress recorded since 2023 laid a foundation for greater achievements, urging Nigerians to support the continuation and consolidation of the reforms.

“Any attempt to take us back to those times of uncertainty must be rejected by all Nigerians.”

Responding, the Chairman of the APC 25 Local Government Areas of Niger State and Head of the delegation, Hon. Hashimu Izom, said the delegation came to congratulate the Minister, to appreciate President Tinubu for his appointment, and to commend the Minister for representing Niger State at the Federal level.

He also praised the Minister for promoting unity in the state and for supporting projects and initiatives that benefit Niger State. “We are proud of you, not because you are Mohammed Idris Malagi, but because you are a bona fide Nigerite who stands everywhere to defend Mr. President and represents Niger State even at the national level,” Izom said.