The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has commended the National Council for Civil Society of Nigeria for not participating in the ongoing protests and highlighted to them the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s numerous initiatives to turn the economy around for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, said in a press statement that during a meeting with the Council’s delegation yesterday in his office at Ship House, led by Comrade Johnny Emmanuel, the minister emphasised the importance of collaboration with civil society organizations in addressing insecurity.
He cited their strong connections to local communities and ability to provide valuable intelligence, mediation, and humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected areas.
Badaru assured the delegation that Tinubu was committed to improving the economy through robust economic policies, which have started yielding positive results.
He mentioned the economic growth in Q1 2024, the second-fastest first-quarter growth in the last six years, and the Defence strategy’s success in improving security.
The minister highlighted several other initiatives, including:
- The Nigerian Student Loan Scheme to increase access to higher education
- The Livestock Ministry to address herders and farmers’ clashes
- The Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) to increase funding for infrastructure
- The sale of crude oil to indigenous refining companies in Naira
- The signing of the National Minimum Wage Act into Law
- The autonomy granted to Local Governments for effective accountability and development
- Irrigation (dams and channels)
- Zero tariffs and duties on imports of raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients
- Distribution of grains to the states
“I am still appealing to Nigerians to be patient as the President is introducing more innovations to improve the economy.
“He is just one year in office and he has done very well and I know that with these initiatives, we will soon start to see the positive result.”
Earlier, the National President of the National Council of Civil Society of Nigeria, Comrade Johnny Emmanuel, commended the minister for his outstanding performance and commitment to service.
According to him, they have been taking track records of the minister’s achievements since when he was a governor.
Describing Badaru as a man with modest life style, said that his commitment to judicious use of resources in Jigawa State earned him the nick name “Calculator”.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of award to the Minister in recognition of his outstanding commitment, patriotism and integrity to service.
