By Kunle Sanni –
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prevented no fewer than 27 states from sliding into financial collapse.
Idris made the assertion on Saturday while delivering a lecture at the 34th convocation ceremony and 43rd Founders’ Day of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna. His lecture was titled “Youth and Nation Building: Navigating Opportunities in an Era of National Reforms.”
According to the minister, prior to the inauguration of President Tinubu on May 29, 2023, about 27 states were unable to meet basic financial obligations, including the payment of workers’ salaries. He said the administration’s reform agenda has since improved the fiscal capacity of subnational governments.
Idris noted that the reforms have significantly increased statutory allocations to states, enabling them to meet salary obligations, invest in infrastructure, and deliver social and economic benefits to citizens.
He attributed the improvement to what he described as the President’s clear reform strategy and leadership approach, stressing that the measures were designed to stabilise the economy and reposition the country for growth.
The minister said sustained reforms are critical to nation-building, arguing that development cannot be achieved without regularly correcting past policy failures.
He added that the reforms have also shielded Nigeria from deeper economic challenges that could have arisen without decisive intervention.
Idris further stated that the ongoing reforms are creating new opportunities for Nigerian youths, particularly in areas of innovation, entrepreneurship, and national development.
