Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has refuted suggestions that Nigeria’s acceptance of grains from Ukraine implies weakness or failure. Speaking at the Leadership Annual Conference and Award 2023 in Abuja, organized by the Leadership Group, Idris emphasized the normalcy of such international trade practices.
Idris drew parallels with Egypt, which also relies significantly on Ukrainian grains, stating that such transactions are common among nations and do not reflect negatively on their status. He underscored that while Nigeria faces challenges, President Bola Tinubu is resolute in addressing them.
The minister highlighted Tinubu’s decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies and efforts to stabilize the foreign exchange situation, as strategic moves to position Nigeria favorably on the global stage. He defended the removal of fuel subsidies as a necessary step forward, citing its positive impact on fuel importation reduction and economic improvement.
Idris commended Tinubu’s leadership, noting his success in attracting over $30 billion in foreign investments and recent efforts to secure additional investments in Qatar. Despite the conference’s theme, “An Economy in Distress: The Way Forward,” Idris expressed optimism that Nigeria’s challenges would soon be overcome under Tinubu’s leadership.
The minister’s remarks come amidst ongoing scrutiny over Nigeria’s economic policies, particularly regarding grain imports and fuel subsidy removal. However, Idris remains steadfast in his defense of the government’s actions, portraying a sense of optimism for Nigeria’s future economic prospects.
Credit: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
