By Awwal Umar The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s co...
By Awwal Umar
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to lowering food prices through large-scale investments in agriculture.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at a press briefing to launch the 2025 Ministerial Briefing Session, Idris emphasized that while the government will not impose price controls, in line with free-market principles, it is focused on reducing costs by boosting production and increasing supply.
“In the past, commodity boards fixed prices, but in the spirit of free-market policies and encouraging entrepreneurship, the government no longer controls prices. Instead, we are ensuring massive food production. When supply increases, prices naturally decline,” he said.
Security Gains and Safer Highways
Highlighting security successes, Idris revealed that in 2024, security forces neutralized over 8,000 terrorists and bandits, arrested 11,600 suspects, and recovered more than 10,000 weapons.
“Our highways are becoming safer. The once-notorious Abuja-Kaduna highway is a clear example. While there is still much to do, we remain committed to improving security,” he added.
Additionally, he reported that approximately 8,000 kidnap victims were rescued last year. He assured Nigerians that efforts to prevent crime and bring perpetrators to justice would be intensified.
The Minister also stated that security forces are now empowered to apply maximum force against the Lakurawa armed group, following its designation as a terrorist organization by a Federal High Court.
On the economy, Idris highlighted key government reforms, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy, which has saved hundreds of billions of naira annually.
He also credited the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS), introduced in December 2023, with enhancing transparency, clearing billions of dollars in backlogs, and restoring investor confidence.
“Last week, the Naira reached an eight-month high in the official market, while foreign capital inflow into the Nigerian Stock Exchange rose from 4% in mid-2023 to an average of 16% by the end of 2024,” he said.
Furthermore, Nigeria secured over $5 billion in Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) in 2024, making it the top destination for oil and gas investments in Africa.
Looking ahead, Idris described 2025 as a year of consolidation, building on the Tinubu administration’s achievements in its first 19 months.
“In the next three months, as we approach the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, we will host weekly briefings with ministers to highlight progress. This year is about strengthening our gains as we move towards the mid-term,” he stated.
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