The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has said that the economic reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu rescued no fewer than 27 states from financial collapse.
Idris made the assertion on Saturday while delivering a lecture at the 34th Convocation and 43rd Founders’ Day ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State.
Speaking on the theme, “Youth and Nation Building: Navigating Opportunities in an Era of National Reforms,” the minister said many states were unable to meet basic obligations before the current administration assumed office.
According to him, prior to May 29, 2023, about 27 states could not consistently pay workers’ salaries, a situation that posed a serious threat to governance and social stability.
“President Bola Tinubu traversed the length and breadth of this country during the campaigns with a clear vision to reposition Nigeria.
“Upon assuming office, he introduced reforms that have now saved these states from collapse,” Idris said.
He explained that revenue inflows to states have increased significantly under the new economic framework, enabling them to function more effectively.
“States are now receiving about three times what they used to get. They can pay salaries, execute massive infrastructure projects, and deliver dividends of democracy to their people,” he added.
Idris attributed the improved fiscal capacity of states to Tinubu’s reforms and what he described as a deliberate and effective leadership strategy.
The minister stressed that continuous reforms were essential for sustainable nation-building, noting that stagnation would only compound existing challenges.
“There is no nation building without reforms. It is impossible to build a nation if you do not continue to undertake reforms,” he said.
According to Idris, the reforms not only corrected past economic distortions but also protected the country from deeper structural crises that could have emerged in their absence.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
