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<\/a><\/div>\nIn September, Nairametrics documented challenges facing motorists who had made the switch, including inadequate refuelling infrastructure, long queues and lost working hours.<\/p>\n
The minister disclosed the initiative\u2019s investment figures during a media chat with senior editors and journalists on Monday, where he highlighted the government\u2019s economic reforms and their impact on key indicators.<\/p>\n
He said Nigeria\u2019s inflation rate had fallen from about 27 per cent in January 2025 to around 15 per cent, while the country\u2019s external reserves exceeded $54 billion in September, the highest level in almost two decades.<\/p>\n
The economy is also projected to grow by more than 4 per cent in 2026, while Nigeria\u2019s current account surplus rose to $12 billion in the first half of 2026, up from $8.6 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, according to the minister.<\/p>\n
Mr Idris attributed the improvements to the government\u2019s economic policies, saying the reforms were helping to stabilise the economy, restore confidence and create conditions for sustained growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe macroeconomic numbers have turned the corner, and I would ask that we always look at what they mean beyond the headlines,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
However, he acknowledged that many households continued to face cost-of-living pressures, saying the government\u2019s priority was to ensure that improvements in economic indicators translated into better living conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur commitment is to ensure that stronger economic indicators translate into more jobs, more productive businesses, more affordable essential services and greater purchasing power for Nigerian families,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reforms are strengthening our economic fundamentals, rebuilding confidence and creating the conditions for broader prosperity. We are determined to consolidate these gains and accelerate their impact across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Infrastructure, agriculture<\/strong><\/h3>\nMr Idris said infrastructure projects were creating economic opportunities for contractors, suppliers, engineers, artisans, transporters and other businesses.<\/p>\n
He said the government\u2019s four Legacy Projects covered about 3,000 kilometres across the country\u2019s six geopolitical zones, alongside hundreds of other projects in road, rail, port, power, health and education infrastructure.<\/p>\n
He also cited a recently approved highway project worth approximately N1.5 trillion in Niger State, which he said would improve connectivity along an important agricultural and commercial corridor.<\/p>\n
On agriculture, the minister said the government had placed food security at the centre of its economic policy, with support for mechanisation, access to inputs, irrigation and agricultural financing intended to increase domestic production, improve farmers\u2019 incomes and reduce food costs.<\/p>\n
Healthcare, education and jobs<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe minister said the federal government had commissioned two additional cancer treatment centres, bringing the total number of commissioned centres to five, as it works towards making 10 available nationwide.<\/p>\n
He said the investments, alongside the revitalisation of primary healthcare, were expected to expand access to treatment and strengthen the health system.<\/p>\n
READ ALSO:\u00a0Minister defends NNPC petrol discount, says its not return to subsidy<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
The minister said the federal government had commissioned two additional cancer treatment centres, bringing the total number of commissioned centres to five, as it works towards making 10 available nationwide.<\/p>\n
He said the investments, alongside the revitalisation of primary healthcare, were expected to expand access to treatment and strengthen the health system.<\/p>\n