By Oseni Bako
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the reform policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are yielding positive results, particularly in increased revenue allocations to states and renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Speaking at the 34th Pre-Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, titled “Youth and Nation Building: Navigating Opportunities in an Era of National Reforms,” the Minister noted that 26 out of Nigeria’s 36 states previously depended heavily on Federation Account allocations to pay salaries.
He explained that under the current administration, states are now receiving significantly higher allocations—double or even triple previous amounts—enabling them to meet salary obligations and plan development projects more effectively.
He also clarified that ongoing tax reforms are designed to simplify the tax system and generate more resources for states and local governments to invest in infrastructure and social services.
Highlighting other gains, Mohammed Idris stated that Nigeria has become an attractive destination for oil and gas investment.
On the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, he revealed that over 174 billion naira has so far been disbursed for tuition and students’ upkeep allowances.
The Minister encouraged young Nigerians to equip themselves with relevant skills to thrive in the evolving global workplace, assuring that the reforms are creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of FUT Minna, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, described the lecture theme as timely, noting that current federal policies are aimed at improving the living conditions of Nigerian youths.
