Mohammed Idris-Malagi, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, expressed optimism on Saturday that the National Assembly’s approval of the N27.5 trillion budget for 2024 will usher in a revolutionary period for the nation.
On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu gave a joint session of the National Assembly his administration’s first full-year budget.
The minister said that the budget represented a critical step toward the realization of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda when he officially opened the Kaduna State branch of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations 2023 Annual Public Lecture/AGM/Awards & Election.
Apart from emphasizing development priorities, the minister said that the budget showed a dedication to financial discipline.
He claims that Tinubu’s administration understands the value of sound financial management as the foundation for long-term economic stability.
The minister said, “Just this week, he presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly, the first full-year budget of his administration.
“The budget as presented signifies a pivotal step towards the realisation of his Renewed Hope Agenda, by aligning fiscal strategies and priorities with broader national development objectives.
“As the 2024 Appropriation Bill moves through the legislative process, we are very optimistic that its passage will mark the beginning of a transformative era, bringing tangible improvements to the lives of Nigerians.
“Before this week’s budget presentation, President Tinubu had assented to an equally important supplementary budget, signed some landmark Bills and Executive Orders into law, and inaugurated special presidential initiatives on fiscal policy reform, Compressed Natural Gas, Food Security, MSME support, and other critical areas of the economy.
“The goal has been to deliver relief to the Nigerian people, and lay the groundwork for true and lasting prosperity.”
Idris-Malagi continued, “At this juncture, let me remind us that one of the pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight-point agenda is “Inclusivity,” which means inclusive policies and programmes for all segments of the population, especially youth and women.
“You can see manifestations of this even in the array of appointments made by the President so far, and the prominence given to young people and women. This is not to say we have done enough, and can therefore rest on our oars. No!”
“We can still do better, and I can assure you that President Tinubu will continue to push the envelope in this regard,” he noted.
