MORE THAN ONE MILLION NIGERIANS BENEFIT FROM FG’S BUSINESS, STUDENT LOAN INITIATIVES — MINISTER

Over one million Nigerians have so far accessed various grants and loans under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

Speaking at a conference of State Commissioners of Information organised by the Progressive Governors’ Forum in Minna, Niger State, Idris highlighted the government’s efforts to reinvest savings from the removal of petrol subsidies into national infrastructure and empowerment programs.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris said over 900,000 small businesses have benefited from the Presidential Conditional Grant and Loan Scheme, while more than 350,000 students are currently supported through the Federal Government’s Student Loan Scheme.

He emphasized that the Renewed Hope Agenda goes beyond economic reforms, aiming to create real opportunities for prosperity across all levels of society—individuals, families, and communities.

The government, he revealed, has committed about ₦70 billion to the student loan initiative, with over 600,000 applications already submitted. Additionally, another ₦75 billion is being disbursed via the Bank of Industry to boost Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in key sectors.

“These figures represent tangible opportunities, not just policy statements,” Idris said.

On the removal of petrol subsidies, the minister defended the move, describing it as a crucial economic reform that has curbed waste and redirected funds into critical projects. Among the major infrastructure developments now underway are the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge Railway, and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway.

He also noted that increased monthly allocations to states have enabled more grassroots-focused projects.

Idris called on state Information Commissioners to actively engage citizens and promote awareness of these reforms, using platforms like the National Orientation Agency to ensure widespread understanding and participation.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fulfilling his promises. Now it’s up to us to turn that promise into visible change at the grassroots,” he urged.