The United Nations has recognized significant progress in Nigeria over the past year under President Tinubu’s administration, citing economic stabilization and improved security as key achievements of recent reforms.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Hajiya Amina Mohammed highlighted these advancements during a High-level Dialogue on the Renewed Hope Agenda, themed ‘Nigeria’s Global Ambitions: From Hope to Reality’.
Giving the global body’s position, she said, “Over the past year, Nigeria has witnessed progress from the reforms introduced by this administration to stabilize the economy. And we can see that the country, creditably, has improved. The Nigerian government has also been proactive in addressing security challenges in the country and the sub-regions as demonstrated by the hosting of an African counter-terrorism meeting last month.
“There have also been other notable initiatives such as the nationwide digital literacy programme and the expansion of the broadband infrastructure to bridge the digital divide and empower our people in this digital age”.
In his goodwill message, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, expressed the United Kingdom’s admiration for the security strategies implemented by President Tinubu.
He reaffirmed the UK’s support for the Nigerian government, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
“I’d like to use this opportunity to express the whole lot of support of my government to the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu. We commend his agenda for its focus on priorities and delivery. We acknowledge that you have done a lot to put in place transparency and accountability,” Montgomery said.
In her opening remarks at the forum, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, extended heartfelt appreciation to participants, highlighting that their presence underscored the importance of advancing Nigeria’s economic agenda under President Tinubu.
She noted that the gathering, initiated by the Office of the Vice President, emphasized the critical role of international cooperation in achieving the remarkable goals of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, also praised the stakeholders’ efforts, led by Vice President Shettima, which facilitated the high-level forum marking the first anniversary of the Tinubu Administration.
He stated that the forum aimed to reflect on the past year and plan for the next three years, stressing the importance of international cooperation in fulfilling the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, also spoke, acknowledging the past year as both challenging and successful. He assured that the Tinubu-led government is committed to renewing the hope of Nigerians.
While stating that the event highlighted the significance of international cooperation, Bagudu appreciated VP Shettima for gracing the occasion, saying, “Not surprisingly, you chose to come in person to show importance, particularly to partners in the diplomatic and development world, that Nigeria appreciates them and that international cooperation is important to us and it is rooted in our constitution, is rooted in our development plans and is rooted in our Renewed hope agenda.
“Not surprisingly, Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shetiima, over the last one year, have engaged globally and locally with institutions that represent development partnership, multilateral institutions, and bilateral institutions, consistent with our development agenda.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Cooperation, Mr. Dapo Oyewole, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to a long-lasting partnership with the global community.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign policy will continue to accommodate the interests of all Nigerians and ensure mutual and beneficial partnerships with all nations,” Oyewole said.
He added that Nigeria will continue to work towards unlocking the country’s hidden economic treasures.
Remarking, the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, emphasized that the event served as a critical reflection point for those who have optimally harnessed international cooperation to achieve the noble goals of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Commenting on the theme of the dialogue, ‘Leveraging International Cooperation to Enhance Trade, Investment, and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,’ he said the Bank of Industry has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of strategic partnerships in driving economic growth and fostering inclusive development under the Tinubu administration.
Also present were the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kenedy Ohaneye; the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Samuel Isopi; the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head of Central Delivery Unit, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman; the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission; and the Acting Country Director of the World Bank, Nigeria.
Other attendees included the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, and other senior officials.
