President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a stirring New Year’s address, projecting 2025 as a year of hope, growth, and national transformation.
Speaking on the morning of January 1, the President assured Nigerians of better days ahead, citing economic progress and unveiling ambitious plans for the new year.
“By the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfil our collective desires,” Tinubu declared.
Acknowledging the challenges of 2024, he encouraged citizens to persevere and assured them that sacrifices made over the past 19 months were not in vain.
“Together, let us stay the course of nation-building. The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.
Tinubu highlighted economic progress, including reduced fuel prices, consecutive foreign trade surpluses, rising foreign reserves, and a stronger Naira.
He noted the stock market’s record-breaking growth and increased foreign investments as markers of renewed global confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
However, he acknowledged lingering concerns about high food and drug costs and pledged to intensify efforts to address these issues in 2025.
“We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people,” Tinubu assured.
FG to Establish National Credit Guarantee Company
A major highlight of Tinubu’s address was the announcement of the National Credit Guarantee Company, set to launch by the second quarter of 2025.
The initiative aims to expand credit access for individuals and critical economic sectors.
“The company is a partnership among government institutions such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, as well as the private sector and multilateral institutions,” Tinubu explained.
The president outlined the initiative’s goals: bolstering financial system confidence, supporting underserved groups like women and youth, and driving re-industrialisation.
“This will lead to higher national output and better living standards for all Nigerians,” he added.
National Values Charter and Youth Confab to Foster Unity and Patriotism
Tinubu also announced plans to unveil a National Values Charter in the first quarter of 2025.
The Federal Executive Council approved the Charter to strengthen trust between the government and citizens while promoting shared values and identities.
“As far-reaching and foundational as our reforms are, they can only produce the desired outcomes through shared common values and unconditional love for our country,” Tinubu stated.
A national orientation campaign will accompany the Charter, fostering patriotism and collaboration across the nation’s diverse population.
Further underlining the administration’s commitment to youth inclusion, Tinubu revealed that a Youth Confab would also commence in the first quarter.
He urged the Ministry of Youths to expedite the selection process for representatives from Nigeria’s vibrant youth population.
“This is a testament to our commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders,” Tinubu affirmed.
A Call for Collaboration and Unity
The president appealed to state governors and local council leaders to collaborate with the central government on emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms.
He commended governors embracing the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative and adopting electric vehicles as part of the nation’s energy transition.
“The federal government will always offer necessary assistance to the states,” Tinubu promised.
On a personal note, Tinubu expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him as president.
“Your trust humbles me, and I promise to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly,” he said, urging Nigerians to unite against divisive elements and stay focused on nation-building.
“We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone. Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion,” he implored.
The president concluded his address by wishing all Nigerians a happy and prosperous New Year, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their devotion to the country and its Renewed Hope Agenda.
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