By Oyewale Oyelola
In his nationwide address, President Bola Tinubu highlighted the gains of the Renewed Hope administration, including an increase in daily oil production to 1.6 million barrels and a reduction in the percentage of revenue allocated for debt servicing. He also promised to implement policies that will positively impact the lives of Nigerians.
The expected deliverables from his speech include:
1. The introduction of the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP) to empower youth.
2. The release of N570 billion to the 36 states to expand livelihood support to their citizens.
3. The provision of nano-grants to 600,000 nano-businesses, with an additional 400,000 expected to benefit.
4. The processing of 75,000 beneficiaries for N1 million Micro and Small Business single-digit interest loans, starting this month. Additionally, 10 MSME hubs have been built, creating 240,000 jobs, with 5 more hubs expected to be ready by October.
5. Payments of N1 billion each to large manufacturers under single-digit loans to boost manufacturing output and stimulate growth.
6. The provision of incentives to farmers to increase food production at affordable prices.
7. The removal of tariffs and import duties on essential items like rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, drugs, and pharmaceutical supplies for the next 6 months to drive down prices.