FIC Report (Niger State) – Federal Information Resource Centre, Minna, embarked on a sensitization program organized by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation at a Town-hall meeting, aimed at engaging stakeholders and the public on the Federal Government’s ongoing developmental reforms, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The townhall meeting commenced at 11:00am, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem. Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Honorable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, was ably represented by the Head of Centre, Asabe Sule Garba (Ph.D).
The Minister in his address acknowledged the challenges faced in governance, but highlighted on the President’s focus and commitment to service. The Minister emphasized the bold reforms initiated in the last two years—not for political expediency, but for national progress. These reforms, anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda, include:
• Fuel subsidy removal
• Foreign exchange market reforms
• Social investment initiatives
• Empowerment programs
Idris also made a passionate appeal for sustained attention to the North Central region, noting that, “when the North Central prospers, Nigeria progresses.”
Highlights of the Projects initiated by the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the North Central region were further expatiated by the Controller of the Federal Controller of Works, ably represented by Engr. Felix Thomas, who gave detailed key infrastructural projects undertaken by the Ministry of Works under the present administration.
Highlighted projects include:
1. Minna-Zungeru-Tegina Road (30 km)
2. Tegina-Kotangora Road (12 km)
3. Dualization of Ilorin–Jebba–Mokwa Road (25 km)
4. Reconstruction of Bida–Lemu–Wushishi–Zungeru Road (15 km)
5. Reconstruction of Lambata–Lapai–Bida Road (80 km)These projects were aimed towards boosting economic connectivity and improve ease of movement within and beyond the region.
Agricultural Development and Support
The second discussant, Mr. Sani Abdullahi, representing the State Coordinator for Agriculture, elaborated on the Federal Government’s interventions in agriculture, classified under three key project types:
1. Capital Projects: These include investments in irrigation systems, rural roads, research initiatives, and storage facilities—directly benefiting rural farmers and enhancing productivity.
2. Constituency Projects: Implemented in collaboration with members of the National Assembly, these projects support farmers with training, tools, and inputs across constituencies.
3. Emergency Projects: Rapid-response interventions targeting communities affected by floods, climate change, and other disasters, ensuring farmers recover and resume operations swiftly.
National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP)
Mr. Abdullahi also highlighted achievements under the NAGS-AP initiative, a cornerstone program supporting smallholder farmers:
• Dry Season Farming: Inputs distributed to 5,000 rice/maize farmers, including NPK, Urea, herbicides, insecticides, and organic fertilizers.
• Wet Season Farming: Support across multiple value chains (maize, soybean, rice, cassava, etc.), with certified seeds and planting materials.
• Wheat Farming: 17,000 farmers targeted; 16,785 received full input packages, including certified wheat seeds.
Student Loan Scheme and Education Support
The third speaker, Dr. Mohammed Dantala, provided insight into the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), introduced to cushion the economic impact of subsidy removal and enhance access to higher education.
Key features of the loan scheme include:
• Zero-interest student loans, repayable only after employment.
• 10% income-based repayment model.
• Monthly stipends of ₦20,000 for beneficiaries while in school.
Dr. Dantala noted that this initiative is designed to ensure that no Nigerian student is left behind uneducated as a result of financial constraints.
Overview of the achievements of President Tinubu’s Administration.
The final presentation came from the Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who provided a summary of the Tinubu administration’s accomplishments across agriculture, infrastructure, education, and economic reforms. He noted that these gains are laying the groundwork for sustainable national development.
Stakeholder Engagement and Community Participation
The event was well attended by diverse stakeholders, including:
• Artisans’ associations (e.g., NATA, AFAN)
• Religious leaders
• Persons with disabilities
• Representatives from federal institutions
• NYSC members
• Students from various academic institutions
The Niger State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) was also represented by its Secretary, Mr. Usman Chiji, lauded the president’s reforms and prayed for continued and sustained implementation.
Conclusion
The sensitization campaign carried out by the Federal Information Resource Centre in Minna effectively showcased the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive development and transparency. It also served as a platform for engaging citizens, clarifying policies, and reinforcing trust in governance.
Signed
Asabe Sule Garba ( PhD)
ACIO & IPRO
Head of Centre Minna
29th, August, 2025
