President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said his government has given out ₦330 billion to support eight million poor and vulnerable households through the Federal Government’s social investment programme.
In his speech to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, the President explained that the money was meant to ease the hardship caused by recent economic reforms, especially for those struggling the most.
He noted that many families had already received one or two of the three payments of ₦25,000 each under the programme.
“Under the social investment programme to support poor households and vulnerable Nigerians, ₦330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of ₦25,000 each,” Tinubu said.
The President admitted that for many years Nigeria had failed to invest in roads, power, schools, hospitals, and other public services, and that this failure has left the present generation with a heavy burden.
“Fellow Nigerians, we are racing against time. We must build the roads we need, repair the ones that have become bad, and construct the schools and hospitals that our people require,” he said.
He stressed that decades of neglect had left the country with poor electricity supply, bad roads, and outdated facilities that cannot compete with global standards.
“We have to plan for the generations after us. Today, we don’t have enough electricity to power our homes and industries, or resources to fix our roads, build seaports, railroads, and airports like the best in the world. But our administration is setting things right,” Tinubu added.
The President assured Nigerians that his government is already taking steps to reverse the country’s decline in infrastructure and economy.
He praised Nigerians for their resilience and patience, promising that he would not betray their trust.
“I salute your endurance, support, and understanding. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you have placed in me to steer the ship of our nation to safety,” he said.
Tinubu also repeated that his government’s main priority is rebuilding the economy, strengthening social support programmes, and laying a solid foundation for the future.
He added that the ongoing investments in infrastructure and public services would soon bring clear improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
