The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru has commended the National Council for Civil Society of Nigeria for not participating in the ongoing protests.
He praised their decision, emphasizing that it reflects a constructive approach during a period of unrest.
The Minister highlighted to them the President Bola Tinubu’s numerous initiatives to turn the economy around for the benefit of all Nigerians.
A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike said during the meeting with the National Council’s delegation in Abuja led by Comrade Johnny Emmanuel, the Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration with Civil Society organisations in addressing insecurity.
He cited their strong connections to local communities and ability to provide valuable intelligence, mediation, and humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected areas.
Badaru assured the delegation that ‘President Tinubu was committed to improving the economy through robust economic policies, whi
ch have started yielding positive results.’
He mentioned the economic growth in Q1 2024, the second-fastest first-quarter growth in the last six years, and the Defence strategy’s success in improving security.
He equally highlighted several other initiatives, of the government to include;
The Nigerian Student Loan Scheme to increase access to higher education,
The Livestock Ministry to address herders and farmers’ clashes,
The Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) to increase funding for infrastructure
The sale of crude oil to indigenous refining companies in Naira,
The signing of the National Minimum Wage Act into Law,
The autonomy granted to Local Governments for effective accountability and development irrigation (Dams and channels)
Zero tariffs and duties on imports of raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients
Distribution of grains to the states
And other social security interventions.
‘I am still appealing to Nigerians to be patient as the President is introducing mo
re innovations to improve the economy. He is just one year in office and he has done very well and I know that with these initiatives, we will soon start to see the positive results,’ he assured Nigerians.
The National President of the National Council of Civil Society of Nigeria, Comrade Johnny Emmanuel, commended the Minister for his outstanding performance and commitment to service.
Emmanuel said;’ they have been taking track records of the Minister’s achievements since when he was a Governor,’ Describing Badaru as a man with modest life style.
He said that Badaru’s commitment to judicious use of resources in Jigawa State earned him the nick name, ‘Calculator.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of award to the Minister in recognition of his outstanding commitment, patriotism and integrity to service.
Source :News Agency of Nigeria