By Hosea Parah
The National Movement for Tinubu–Shettima 2027 – Forward Nigeria has called for stronger implementation of the Federal Government’s economic reforms, saying Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary should mark a renewed commitment to transforming reforms into jobs, affordable food and improved living standards.
The group, in an Independence Day statement signed by its National Chairman, National Coordinating Committee, Prof. Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali, congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Nigerians at home and abroad on the anniversary.
The movement described Nigeria as a nation of remarkable resilience, noting that the country had survived the civil war, economic crises, insecurity, political upheavals and other periods of uncertainty while remaining united.
According to the group, the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is addressing structural challenges that have constrained Nigeria’s economic growth over the years.
It, however, acknowledged that the reforms had brought difficult adjustments and hardship to many Nigerians, stressing that the next phase must focus on ensuring that the benefits of reforms become increasingly visible in the daily lives of citizens.
“The task now is to translate these reforms into relief, growth into jobs and recovery into broad-based prosperity for all Nigerians,” the statement said.
The movement said investments in roads, rail, electricity, housing, agriculture and energy were strengthening the foundations of a more productive economy.
It also identified the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, electricity reforms and renewed efforts to attract investment into the oil and gas sector as potential drivers of lower energy costs, industrial growth, employment and increased government revenue.
It urged the government to ensure that infrastructure investments deliver tangible benefits, particularly through improved electricity supply, affordable food and a more conducive environment for businesses.
On agriculture, the group declared that food security must be treated as national security, calling for sustained investment in irrigation, mechanisation, storage, processing and rural infrastructure.
It also advocated stronger collaboration among farmers, industries and markets, arguing that agriculture should move beyond feeding the nation to become a major source of wealth creation and employment.
The movement further called for greater investment in Nigerian youths through education, technical and vocational training, digital technology, entrepreneurship and access to finance.
It said women, persons with disabilities, workers, farmers, small businesses and vulnerable households must remain central to the country’s development agenda.
On security, the group commended the Armed Forces, police and other security agencies for their efforts in protecting the country.
It urged the government to sustain the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other forms of criminality through improved intelligence, technology, effective policing and better welfare for security personnel.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 electoral season, the group appealed for peaceful, issue-based and responsible political competition.
It urged political actors to avoid violence, intimidation, ethnic incitement and religious hatred, stressing that the peace and unity of the country should take precedence over political contests.
The movement reaffirmed its support for the Tinubu administration and said continuity, stronger implementation and greater delivery would be necessary to consolidate what it described as the gains of the ongoing reforms.
“The challenges are real. The work remains unfinished. The next phase, however, must make the benefits of reform increasingly visible in the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians,” the statement said.
The group ended its message with a call for renewed national confidence, declaring: “We have survived. We are rebuilding. We are moving forward.”
It wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for the continued progress and unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.