The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are beginning to yield positive results, particularly in revenue generation for states across the federation.
He was speaking at the 34th pre-convocation lecture of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna.
Idris disclosed that 26 out of Nigeria’s 36 states previously depended heavily on monthly allocations from the Federation Account to meet salary obligations.
The lecture, titled “Youth and Nation Building: Navigating Opportunities in an Era of National Reforms,” provided the platform for the minister to defend the administration’s reform agenda.
He noted that improved revenue inflows have significantly strengthened the financial capacity of states, stressing that no governor currently struggles to pay salaries due to insufficient funds.
According to him, states are now receiving double or even triple the allocations they earned in the past, giving them enough fiscal space to plan effectively and invest in development.
He also addressed concerns around taxation reforms, dismissing claims of arbitrary deductions and explaining that the new tax regime was designed to simplify the system while expanding resources available to states and local governments for infrastructure and social services.
Gains highlighted
Highlighting other gains of the reforms, the minister said Nigeria is gradually emerging as an attractive destination for oil and gas investments.
He also revealed that under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), over ₦174 billion has been disbursed to support students through tuition payments and monthly upkeep allowances.
Idris urged Nigerian youths to position themselves for success by acquiring the right education and skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving 21st-century workplace.
With proper preparation, he said, Nigeria could become a formidable global force in arts, science, technology and innovation.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of FUT Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, described the lecture topic as timely as it aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the living conditions and future prospects of Nigerian youths.
