Pains being felt over Tinubu’s reforms are short-term sacrifice to make for the kind of country that we deserve ? Minister of Information

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has said that President Bola Tinubu’s reforms are necessary in rebuilding Nigeria even though they might be tough and painful. 

Idris who spoke at a press briefing on Friday, October 27, on the backdrop of the Supreme Court judgement, urged Nigerians to be patient with the President as he has made it clear that he was for all Nigerians regardless of regional, ethnic, partisan, or religious affiliations.

The minister also said removal of petrol subsidies has freed up significant resources for federal and state governments to invest in infrastructure and welfare programmes for the benefit of citizens.

He stated that measures to cushion the effects of the impacts of the economic reforms include a provisional wage increment of N35,000 monthly for six months, establishment of an Infrastructure Support Fund for states to invest in critical areas that would create an enabling environment for businesses and many others. 

Idris said; 

“No serious government seeks to inflict burdens on its people. We are very clear in explaining that these pains being felt are a short-term sacrifice to make for the kind of country that we want and that we deserve.

“Since he assumed office, the President has signed no fewer than five Executive Orders, aimed at improving Nigeria’s business and fiscal environment, and increasing foreign exchange supply.

“There was establishment of a Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee to reform the tax system while also reducing tax burden on Nigerians. The committee has this week presented its first set of reform proposals to the President, and Nigerians can rest assured that they will be implemented. I must emphasize that one of the primary mandates of the committee is to reduce the tax burdens and complications faced by Nigerians.

“We are finalizing the process for payment of a Cash Transfer of N25,000 monthly to 15 million of the poorest and most vulnerable households in Nigeria, for three months.”