The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms and measures to cushion the impact of rising petrol prices, assuring Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to improving living conditions and sustaining economic recovery.
Idris spoke during an interactive media engagement with senior editors and broadcast anchors on Monday in Abuja, where he addressed questions on fuel prices, labour relations, poverty, local government autonomy, food security, infrastructure, national security and press freedom.
On the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.)’s 30-day petrol discount initiative, the minister explained that the decision was intended to provide temporary relief amid rising international energy costs, stressing that it did not represent a return to fuel subsidy.
“The NNPC has looked at it and said, ‘Okay, we are making this much profit. Why can’t we forgo some of the profit that we are making, so that Nigerians will have some form of cushioning?’” he said.
The minister acknowledged the economic pressures facing households, noting that the government’s reform agenda must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians. He cited improving economic indicators, including declining inflation, stronger external reserves and increased non-oil export earnings, as signs of progress, while emphasising the need to ensure that the gains reach ordinary citizens.
“Our task now is to ensure that this clear macroeconomic recovery is felt even more widely in the lives and households of Nigerians,” Idris stated.
On labour relations and the rising cost of living, the minister expressed confidence that the Federal Government and organised labour would resolve outstanding issues through dialogue. He also recalled President Tinubu’s position that minimum wage arrangements could be reviewed every three years rather than every five years.
Addressing local government financial autonomy, Idris reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to its implementation, explaining that consultations involving relevant stakeholders were ongoing to resolve practical challenges and ensure the effective operation of the system.
On food security and affordability, the minister highlighted government support for domestic agricultural production and efforts to strengthen strategic food reserves. He also urged traders to avoid hoarding and practices that create artificial scarcity, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in making food more accessible to Nigerians.
“Government can create these enablers for Nigerians to have succour, but it is ultimately up to Nigerians to also support what government is doing,” he said.
The minister also defended ongoing Federal Government road projects, explaining that they were designed to improve connectivity, facilitate trade, support agricultural activities and open up economic corridors, rather than serve electoral interests.
“Nobody is fixing road just because there is election. We are fixing road so that Nigerians can have access on these roads, so that it can connect cities, create these economic corridors for businesses to thrive,” Idris said.
On national security, the minister highlighted the expansion of military operational structures from eight to 12 divisions and improved support for security personnel. He acknowledged that significant challenges remained but reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s security architecture and protecting lives and property.
Responding to concerns about press freedom and reports of arrests involving citizens expressing political views, Idris said he was not aware of any directive by President Tinubu authorising the repression of the media. He pledged to seek clarification on specific incidents raised during the engagement.
The minister urged media organisations to uphold professional standards, verify information and avoid misleading or sensational headlines, emphasising that press freedom must be accompanied by responsibility.
“Press freedom is not just one thing that is just hanging in the air. It is also having something attached to it, and that is the responsibility of those who are exercising it,” he said.
Idris commended the participating media organisations for their engagement and expressed his commitment to sustaining the interactive sessions, potentially on a fortnightly basis. He said regular engagements would strengthen communication between the Federal Government and the media while providing opportunities to clarify policies and address emerging national issues.
Nigerian govt defends Tinubu’s economic reforms, insists petrol discount not subsidy