By Joel Ajayi, Abuja
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has said that history will judge President Bola Tinubu, for Implementing reforms that are not just well-intentioned but essential for the growth and development of the Nigeria.
Idris, who stated this in Abuja, yesterday, at the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing Session, noted that a nation thrives when its leaders govern with a sense of divine responsibility.
In this vein, Tinubu, is steering the affairs of Nigeria with the utmost fear of God and a deep conviction that history will judge his administration favourably, he said.
Besides, “Let me say that we have crossed the Rubicon, and the pains are gradually easing as the positive impact of these reforms begins to manifest. Already, we are witnessing a marked reduction in food prices, stability in exchange rates, and a gradual decline in the cost of petroleum products, which are clear indicators that the reforms are yielding positive results”, he added.
History, according to the Minister has shown that meaningful reforms are never easy, as they require sacrifice, resilience, and a commitment to long-term progress. He emphasized that the challenges and difficulties that often accompany these reforms are a necessary price for achieving a more stable and prosperous future.
“Our country stands at a critical juncture as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu implements bold and transformative reforms to lay the foundation for a new Nigeria. Across the world, history has shown that meaningful reforms are never easy; they demand sacrifice, resilience, and a commitment to long-term progress. The initial pains that often accompany these changes are the necessary price for a more stable and prosperous future.
“I want to sincerely appreciate Nigerians for their patience, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the President’s vision”, he said
Idris, therefore, appealed to religious leaders to use the sacred period of Ramadan and Lent to offer prayers for peace, security, and progress of the country.
“I want to urge our Muslim and Christian leaders, particularly during this period of fasting and reflection, to continue to pray for Nigeria’s success. With unity, faith, and collective effort, we will emerge stronger, more resilient, and positioned for lasting prosperity”, he said.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa as well as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, gave
scorecards of their stewardship at the the press briefing session.
Alausa, in his presentation said that the Federal Government will offer a six-month free skills training to Nigerians to service industries in order to address the two million job vacancies in the country, as revealed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO.
He said there exists 150,000 vacancies in AI and machine learning, about 120,000 vacancies in cloud computing, while 60,000 vacancies exist worldwide in national language processing.
Furthermore, the Tinubu administration will integrate 10 million out-of-school children into schools, and will educate an additional one million girls.
He also disclosed that the President has approved N120 billion as a start up for students’ entrepreneurial mode.
“Today, based on UNESCO data, there are 650,000 vacancies in software development methodologies, about 280,000 vacancies in cyber security and about 160,000 vacancies in IT automation.
“Add that together, we have almost 2 million job vacancies out there. So what we’re doing with Digital Training Academy is working with trainers now, that will offer six months to people, young engineers, to get this training”.
The Minister stated that the ministry is putting in place measures to encourage Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, STEM, to meet the areas of need of the country, adding that: “We are doing this through our Digital Training Academy, DTA, to give students skills to service the industries.
“We, as a government, we will pay for their internet services, pay for their certification Cisco certification, End of Career certification, and Google certification”, he said.
He added that the training would be launched on or before June 2025.
Keyamo, who also made a presentation at the event stated that the Federal Government is ready to advance the capacity and competitiveness of local airlines via implementation of Fly Nigeria Bill 2024.
“The Fly Nigeria Bill, a proposed legislation, aims to prioritise Nigerian flag carriers for all government-funded travel, whether domestic, regional, or international, ensuring that Nigerian airlines are used first.
“The Bill’s primary goal is to boost the Nigerian aviation industry by ensuring that government-funded travel, including trips by officials, contractors, and grantees, utilises Nigerian airlines whenever possible.
“The Fly Nigeria Bill mandates that all government-funded air travel must first consider Nigerian flag carriers before any foreign carriers, even for international routes.
He explained that the initiative aimed to create a more competitive and sustainable aviation sector, allowing Nigerian airlines to compete globally toward economic growth via job creation, attract investment, and conserve foreign exchange.
The Fly Nigeria Bill is seen as a way to foster national pride and ensure that Nigerian airlines are recognised as leaders in the aviation industry, he stated.
He added that the idea for the Bill had been in development for over 15 years, but was committed to fast-tracking its implementation.
The minister emphasised that the Fly Nigeria Bill would be a crucial step in protecting Nigeria’s aviation market from external dominance to ensure local airlines have the opportunity to thrive.
The Federal Government, he said has planned to strengthen regulations for a safer aviation ecosystem by tackling illegal commercial operation by private jet owners.
The minister acknowledged the receipt of the final report of the Ministerial Task Force, MTF, on Illegal Private Charter Operations and Related Matters.
According to him, addressing illegal private airline operations aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of “doing the right thing” across all sectors of the national economy.
“The issue of illegal charter operations involves private jets and aircrafts operating outside the law, especially those obtaining licenses under the PNCF for unlawful activities.
“We are confident that we will have the freedom to take necessary actions. Our goal is a safer, more secure aviation ecosystem in Nigeria”, he said.
