Nigerian President Vows to Tackle Inflation, Boost Economy in 2025
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered an optimistic New Year message, emphasizing economic recovery, lower inflation, and national unity in 2025. Reflecting on the challenges of 2024, Tinubu acknowledged that “the cost of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern” but assured Nigerians that brighter days lie ahead.
He highlighted achievements, including declining fuel prices, a stronger naira (Nigeria’s local currency), and record stock market growth. Tinubu committed to reducing inflation from 34.6 percent to 15 percent and announced plans to launch the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand credit access and boost economic output.
Tinubu expressed confidence in the nation’s future, saying, “Economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for our nation.” He added, “The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams.”
Local Security Team Defends Town from Bandit Invasion
Community watchmen in Tara, a town in Sokoto State’s Sabon Birni County, successfully repelled an attempted attack by a bandit leader known as “Kallamu” on December 30, Zagazola Makama reports.
Sources credited the vigilance and bravery of the citizen guards for averting the assault, which could have caused significant damage. With growing security challenges in rural areas and declining confidence in security agencies, locals have taken it upon themselves to protect their communities from terror gangs.
Zagazola Makama’s report did not say if any casualties or fatalities were recorded during the confrontation. Meanwhile, community leaders have urged residents to remain alert to ensure the town’s continued safety.
Tinubu Named Finalist for OCCRP’s Corrupt Person of the Year
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been named one of the five finalists for the 2024 Person of the Year in Organized Crime and Corruption by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
The OCCRP, which published the list on Monday, received 55,000 nominations from voters. Tinubu ranked third, following Kenyan President William Ruto and Indonesia’s former President Joko Widodo.
“The finalists who received the most votes this year were: President of Kenya William Ruto; Former President of Indonesia Joko Widodo; President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina; Indian businessman Gautam Adani,” the OCCRP stated in the report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
Tinubu has faced allegations of drug trafficking, forgery, and financial misconduct. Protests over “anti-people” policies and worsening living conditions have marked his presidency since coming to power in May 2023.
Nigerian Defense Chief Cites Terrain Challenges, IED Threats in Battle Against Bandits
Nigeria’s Defense Chief, General Christopher Musa, has attributed delays in military responses to intelligence reports to the mobility of criminals and poor network coverage in rural areas. Speaking during a television interview, Musa highlighted how these challenges complicate the fight against crime.
“Some of these areas don’t have a network and even when they have information to pass across to us (the military), it takes a little while,” Musa explained. “When the information finally gets across to us, it might be a bit late because we are dealing with criminals who are highly mobile. One minute they are here, the next moment they’ve moved.”
Many rural areas in Nigeria are unmotorable, complicating efforts by security agents to respond to distress calls swiftly. Bandits exploit these terrains by using motorbikes to move quickly and evade capture.
“Most of our roads are not so good. The greatest threat we are having is IEDs. Even when troops are reacting, they have to be careful not to step on the IEDs. Sometimes, you find out that there could be little delays in response as they have to be very careful,” Gen. Musa added.
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
