The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris-Malagi, on Saturday, expressed optimism that the 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion will mark a transformative era in the country upon passage by the National Assembly.

President Bola Tinubu had, on Wednesday, presented the first full-year budget of his administration to a joint session of the National Assembly.

The minister, while declaring open the Kaduna State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations 2023 Annual Public Lecture/AGM/Awards & Election, noted that the budget signified a pivotal step towards the realisation of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In addition to its focus on development priorities, the minister noted that the budget demonstrated a commitment to fiscal responsibility.

According to him, Tinubu’s administration recognises the importance of prudent financial management as the foundation for long-term economic stability.

The minister said, “Just this week, he presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly, the first full-year budget of his administration.

“The budget as presented signifies a pivotal step towards the realisation of his Renewed Hope Agenda, by aligning fiscal strategies and priorities with broader national development objectives.

“As the 2024 Appropriation Bill moves through the legislative process, we are very optimistic that its passage will mark the beginning of a transformative era, bringing tangible improvements to the lives of Nigerians.

“Before this week’s budget presentation, President Tinubu had assented to an equally important supplementary budget, signed some landmark Bills and Executive Orders into law, and inaugurated special presidential initiatives on fiscal policy reform, Compressed Natural Gas, Food Security, MSME support, and other critical areas of the economy. 

“The goal has been to deliver relief to the Nigerian people, and lay the groundwork for true and lasting prosperity.”

Idris-Malagi continued, “At this juncture, let me remind us that one of the pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight-point agenda is “Inclusivity,” which means inclusive policies and programmes for all segments of the population, especially youth and women.

“You can see manifestations of this even in the array of appointments made by the President so far, and the prominence given to young people and women. This is not to say we have done enough, and can therefore rest on our oars. No!”

“We can still do better, and I can assure you that President Tinubu will continue to push the envelope in this regard,” he noted.

In addition to appointments and representation, the Tinubu administration has very importantly been rolling out policies targeted at creating an enabling environment for Nigerians to thrive across all demographic categories.”

The Minister also expressed readiness to support the development of NIPR, where he is a member.

He said, “Let me address a most germane issue that I am very familiar with, which has to do with the need for a permanent secretariat for the Kaduna Chapter of the NIPR. I am committed to supporting the effort to ensure that this is realised in a timely fashion.

“As the Minister of Information and National Orientation, I reaffirm the commitment of my Ministry, and the entire administration to fostering robust and transparent public communication, that empowers citizens with accurate, timely and useful information. In this mission, the NIPR is a much-valued partner, and I expect you to continue to live up to this responsibility.”