The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended Nigerians for their resilience and patriotism amid the economic challenges associated with the reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.
The party also defended the administration’s economic policies, saying the reforms were aimed at addressing structural weaknesses in the economy and laying the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.
The APC made its position known in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, on Thursday, to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The party paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers, pro-democracy activists and other patriots whose sacrifices contributed to the country’s democratic development.
It specifically honoured the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola for his role in the June 12, 1993 presidential election and his defence of what it described as the mandate freely given by Nigerians.
The APC said the Tinubu administration had remained committed to expanding democratic freedoms and delivering economic prosperity to Nigerians.
“In honour of the legacy of MKO Abiola and our democratic forebears, the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been unyielding in its commitment to expanding democratic freedoms and delivering economic prosperity to Nigerians,” the party said.
The party acknowledged that some of the administration’s major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange harmonisation, had triggered economic hardship.
It, however, said the difficulties were part of the process of restructuring the economy.
“While these economic reforms, including the fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange harmonisation, triggered transient economic pains, the sacrificial pain endured by Nigerians now ushers in a Nigeria on the cusp of democratic consolidation and economic prosperity never before seen in history,” the APC said.
According to the party, the administration’s monetary and fiscal policies had helped stabilise the naira, reduce inflation, boost foreign reserves and increase revenues across federal and sub-national governments.
The APC also cited increased crude oil production and government support for domestic refining as some of the gains recorded under the administration.
It said the measures had contributed to increased domestic refining of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and strengthened Nigeria’s position as an exporter of refined petroleum products.
The party further highlighted the administration’s financial autonomy for local governments, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Consumer Credit Scheme (CREDICORP) and cash transfers to more than 15 million vulnerable citizens.
It said the initiatives were opening up opportunities for young Nigerians, low-income households, entrepreneurs and innovators.
The APC commended Nigerians for their patience and understanding throughout what it described as a period of national economic reengineering.
“Our great Party acknowledges the perseverance, understanding, and patriotism of the Nigerian people throughout this period of national economic reengineering,” it said.
The party said true independence should extend beyond the celebration of Nigeria’s sovereignty to building a strong, united and self-reliant nation capable of securing its borders and protecting the interests of future generations.
“True independence goes beyond the hoisting of a flag, but by building a strong, united and self-reliant nation, securing its borders, and securing the future of unborn generations,” the APC said.
The party called on citizens, political stakeholders, sub-national leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders to work together towards building a prosperous Nigeria.
“This remains the abiding commitment of our great Party and administration,” it said.
The APC concluded its message by declaring: “The dawn of a prosperous Nigeria is nigh.”