As the new year begins, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has laid out an ambitious roadmap for 2025, highlighting plans to establish a National Credit Guarantee Company aimed at expanding access to credit and fostering economic growth.
In his New Year message to Nigerians, the President expressed optimism about the year ahead, describing 2025 as a period of renewed hope, opportunities, and better prospects for citizens.
The proposed National Credit Guarantee Company, set to commence operations by the second quarter of 2025, is a collaborative initiative involving key government institutions such as the Bank of Industry, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, alongside private sector and multilateral partners.
“This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support underserved groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialization, and improve living standards for our people,” Tinubu stated.
Reflecting on the economic challenges of 2024, the President acknowledged the difficulties faced by Nigerian households but reassured citizens that brighter days are ahead. He pointed to key economic indicators, including growing foreign reserves, a rebound in the naira, and foreign trade surpluses recorded in three consecutive quarters, as signs of recovery.
“Fuel prices have gradually decreased, and the stock market’s record growth has generated trillions of naira in wealth. The surge in foreign investments reflects renewed confidence in our economy. However, the cost of food and essential drugs remains a significant concern,” he said.
To address inflation, which currently stands at 34.6 percent, Tinubu announced plans to reduce it to 15 percent by the end of 2025. He also emphasized ongoing efforts to boost food production and promote local manufacturing of essential drugs.
In his address, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing reforms that would position Nigeria as a one-trillion-dollar economy. He called on Nigerians to remain united and resist divisive tendencies based on politics, ethnicity, or religion.
“We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that works for everyone. Let us stay focused and united,” he urged.
As part of efforts to foster patriotism and trust, the President announced plans to launch the National Values Charter in the first quarter of 2025. The Charter, approved by the Federal Executive Council, will outline mutual commitments between the government and citizens while promoting unity among Nigeria’s diverse population.
Additionally, Tinubu revealed plans for a Youth Confab, which will commence in early 2025. The conference aims to highlight the role of young Nigerians as nation-builders, with the Ministry of Youth set to release selection guidelines for participants.
The President urged governors and local council chairpersons to collaborate with the central government to harness emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms.
He commended states that have adopted the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative and electric vehicles as part of Nigeria’s energy transition, pledging continued federal support for such efforts.
In closing, Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their trust and urged them to remain hopeful and resilient.
“Dear Compatriots, I urge you to continue believing in yourselves and keeping faith in our blessed country. By God’s grace, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we fulfill our collective desires,” he concluded.
The President’s bold vision for 2025 reflects his administration’s determination to drive economic recovery, foster national unity, and improve the living standards of all Nigerians.
