₦airaland Forum

NOC1:
My annoyance is that people who did not read the article are the first to comment.

I love the way Lai Mohammed handled it, so calm and matured.
The problem I have with PMB is lack of Empathy and nepotism.

On Economy with what was on ground when he took over, I never expected much I knew it is going to be a tough one. Like Mr Mohammed rightly said, it only take a serious government to pull out of recession in one year. Some countries that went into recession with us are still there. Eg. Venezuela, South Africa etc.

If I was Buhari I won't recontest based on health ground but the decision is his.

How did we get into recession in the first instance? How does solving the problem you created count as a huge achievement.

umuna:
LOL. No body is perfect in life.

yeah i no.u did great but buhari isn't doing that well

can u imagine that d minister of info tells kandu kandu ( big big ) lies

You caused recession because you are clueless and managed to exit it and decided to chalk that up as an achievement.

Feeding school children in 19 states: is this the new number of states in Nigeria?

And all the other trash need no reference.

* Government agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service are reporting highest-ever revenue collection, while JAMB, under the new management appointed by President Buhari in 2016, remitted N7.8 billion to the coffers of the federal government.

The total amount remitted by JAMB between 2010 and 2016 was a paltry N51 million!

51m to 7.8b una well done.

Fashola is the right person to fire back and not this man who has lost his integrity and credibility.

After I read this line "We believe that Chief Obasanjo, because of his very busy schedule, may not have been fully availed of developments in the government's efforts to revamp the economy, which was battered by the consequences of over-dependence on a commodity as well as unprecedented pillaging of the treasury." I just knew someone is planning to either LAI or cover up something with dead on arrival kind of excuse.

You have to give it to Lie Mohammed, he knows his onions. Very meaningful response. You only Buhari can tackle the herdsmen and farmers crisis dispassionately without ethnic considerations, he still stand a good chance of winning in 2019. PDP was never an option, it is still not an option and will never be an option.

Daviddson:
Very mature and largely factful reply. It shows they've learned from the lessons of Jonathan who didn't handle his own Obasanjo's bait letter well, which led to an all-out, unprepared-for battle against him.

This is one of the best statements I have read about this administration. Lai is making me change my mind about Buharis second time with this mature response and the achievements he has enumerated. We si don dey look which way to follow come 2019.Lord lead us into the truth

mpianya39:
Our Social Investment Programme is Nigeria’s most ambitious social welfare programme ever. Currently, 5.2 million primary school children in 28,249 schools in 19 states are being fed daily; 200,000 unemployed graduates have enlisted into the N-power Job Scheme, and a quarter of a million loans already distributed to artisans, traders, and farmers.

and who actually told them that the applicants are unemployed

NOC1:
My annoyance is that people who did not read the article are the first to comment.

I love the way Lai Mohammed handled it, so calm and matured.
The problem I have with PMB is lack of Empathy and nepotism.

On Economy with what was on ground when he took over, I never expected much I knew it is going to be a tough one. Like Mr Mohammed rightly said, it only take a serious government to pull out of recession in one year. Some countries that went into recession with us are still there. Eg. Venezuela, South Africa etc.

If I was Buhari I won't recontest based on health ground but the decision is his.

Thank you sir.

Daviddson:
Very mature and largely factful reply. It shows they've learned from the lessons of Jonathan who didn't handle his own Obasanjo's bait letter well, which led to an all-out, unprepared-for battle against him.

lie muhammed surbodinate. You also want to lie another lie..

itsdumebi:
@POLITICSNGR

Minister of Information and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress,APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has responded to Ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo's letter to Buhari.

In a statement obtained by PoliticsNGR, Lai Mohammed listed Buhari's achievements and gave reasons for the government's problems. The statement read;

"We have read the press statement by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the State of the Nation.

For the record, Chief Obasanjo is a patriot, and he has proven this time and time again. We appreciate what he said concerning the Administration's performance in two out of the three key issues that formed the plank of its campaign: Fighting corruption and tackling insurgency. Specifically, the former President said President Buhari must be given credit for his achievement so far in these two areas. We thank him for this.

Apparently, the former President believes that the Administration does not deserve a pass mark in the area of the economy, which is the third of our three-pronged campaign promises.

We have no doubt that in the face of massive challenges in this area, this Administration has availed itself creditably. We believe that Chief Obasanjo, because of his very busy schedule, may not have been fully availed of developments in the government's efforts to revamp the economy, which was battered by the consequences of over-dependence on a commodity as well as unprecedented pillaging of the treasury.

Today, most of the indices by which an economy is measured are looking up. Permit me to say, however, that Nigeria would not have exited recession through a mere order or if the Administration had not made use of ''good Nigerians'' who could help.

This Administration is making steady progress in its determined effort to revamp the economy, and the results are showing:

* Foreign Reserves have peaked at $40b, the highest level in about four years, and up from $24 billion just a year ago, even though when we came in, the price of oil had crashed woefully.

* According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBC), headline inflation has fallen for 11 consecutive months, standing at 15.37% as at Dec. 2017. This is the lowest inflation rate since Jan 2017, and it has met and surpassed the target set for inflation in the Administration's Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

* Our determined implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has stopped the hemorrhaging of the treasury. Some 108 billion Naira has been saved from removal of maintenance fees payable to banks, pre-TSA. The nation is being saved 24.7 billion Naira monthly with the full implementation of the TSA.

* The elimination of ghost workers has saved the nation 120 billion Naira

* At about 1.8 billion dollars, the capital inflows in the second quarter of 2017 were almost double the $908 million in the first quarter.

* In the wake of a stable Naira and increased investment inflows, Nigeria’s stock market emerged one of the best-performing in the world, delivering returns in excess of 40 percent.

* Nigeria rose 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking, and earned a place on the List of Top 10 Reformers in the world.

* According to Q3 2017 figures, agriculture export is up year-on-year by 25%, solid minerals exports are up year-on-year by 78%, raw materials exports are up 70% year-on-year and manufactured goods exports are up 22% year-on-year.

* Government agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service are reporting highest-ever revenue collection, while JAMB, under the new management appointed by President Buhari in 2016, remitted N7.8 billion to the coffers of the federal government.

The total amount remitted by JAMB between 2010 and 2016 was a paltry N51 million!
These positive indices may not have immediately impacted positively on Nigerians, but Nigerians will definitely get a new lease of life a short while from now. This is because the good news from the agricultural sector, which is recording a bumper harvest, will bring down the cost of foodstuffs, especially such staple as rice, and our massive Social Investment Programme will ease the pain of the most vulnerable in the society.

When we assumed office in 2015, some 6 million farmers were involved in rice production. Thanks to the Anchor Borrowers' programme of this Administration, we have grown that number to over 12 million farmers. The result is that our rice import from Thailand alone has dropped from 644 metric tonnes to 22,000 MT in just two years. This is phenomenal.

Apart from rice, Nigeria is also doing well in other grains,
especially Millet, Sorghum and Maize. We are now the second largest producer of sorghum after the US, the third in millet after India and our breweries are now enjoying local sourcing of those commodities.

For maize, we are producing 10 million tons while we need about 13 million tons for both human and animal nutrition. Nigeria leads the world in the yam and cassava production. We account for 70% of the world's yam production. In two years, we hope to be the world's largest exporter of yam! Overall, our ambition is that agriculture should rise from 25% to 40% of GDP, so that we can banish poverty and overcome our economic anxiety.

Our Social Investment Programme is Nigeria’s most ambitious social welfare programme ever. Currently, 5.2 million primary school children in 28,249 schools in 19 states are being fed daily; 200,000 unemployed graduates have enlisted into the N-power Job Scheme, and a quarter of a million loans already distributed to artisans, traders, and farmers.

Finally, our investment in infrastructure is simply unprecedented. This is because infrastructure is key to faster economic growth and development.

Here is a synopsis of what we have done in this area:
* Power Generation at an all-time high of 7,000mw and all can be transmitted

* RAIL: Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge is on. Lagos-Ibadan sector ready 2019, Kano-Kaduna ready 2019; The entire stretch ready 2021; Negotiations on for Coastal Rail covering 15 cities from Lagos to Calabar.

* ROAD: 25 major highways being funded with the N100b Sukuk Bond, and all geo-political zones are benefitting equally

This Administration is not unaware of the enormity of the challenges facing the nation, but we are up to the task. We have taken the bull by the horns, and long-suffering Nigerians will begin to experience a new lease of life as our efforts yield fruits. We will not go into a state of funk for whatever reason.

On the Herders/Farmers' clashes, this Administration is determined to end the crisis resulting from this once and for all, not minding the fact that the clashes predate us. we urge Nigerians to have faith in the Administration's ability to resolve the crisis, and to watch out for concrete measures in this regard.

On whether or not President Muhammadu Buhari should run for another term, it is true that many Nigerians have been calling on the President to run again, while others are opposed to his return. However, we believe this issue is a distraction for the President at this time. This is because Mr. President spends every waking hour tackling the enormous challenges facing the nation, most of which were bequeathed to his Administration by successive past Administrations. He is committed to fulfilling the mandate given to him by Nigerians in 2015. And that's where we are right now!

Finally, we have no reason to believe that former President Obasanjo has any motive beyond the well-being of the nation in issuing his Special Press Statement. We have also taken his admonition in good faith, and we thank him most sincerely for taking time off his busy schedule to pen such a long statement.

https://politicsngr.com/just-in-lai-mohammed-replies-obasanjo-over-letter-to-buhari/

OK, me I won't write stories. I will just give you three straight point to tackle the so called "three pronged campaign promise."
1) Economy: I as an individual and in my immediate environment, I don't feel or see any improvement.
2)corruption: police, the military and all other paramilitary agencies are still brazenly extorting people and collecting bribe on our highways. this is the benchmark of corruption.
3) Book haram insurgency: statics from a very reputable source (I can show it here if you ask me) has compared the attacks in 2016 with that of 2017. it showed that rather than the attacks reducing it as intact increased. and more people were victims of book haram in 2017 than in 2016

porka:
Stop this disgusting reasoning, will you?

It's like there is no sense of shame.

You people took Nigeria's destiny and destroyed it beyond recognition and are now make unreasonable assertion with pride.

You took an entire nation into the abyss and now celebrating it shamelessly?

Fertilizer was sold for between N3900 and N5400 before Buhari brought his retrogression.

In fact, Akinwumi Adesina built his public career on fertilizer and agriculture.

He is now the current ADB president on account of his excellent performance in that sector.

Are the youths and women slaughtered in Benue, Taraba, Southern Kaduna, Adamawa etc also part of the "teeming youths" you have provided jobs for?

Customs is retooled for efficiency and celebrating a nominal increase in duty collection at N306/$1?

Which budget gap is JAMB's N5b helping to close, Oga?

Even FIRS that has consistently fallen short of revenue target is "helping close budget gap"?

What were the agricultural outputs during the last administration? Let me have figures on at least a few staple foods. What is the status of the cassava bread initiative? How many fertilizer blending facilities operated under Mr. Adesina? And why are the 11 fertilizer blending facilities revamped by the current administration the only existing ones?

Speaking of being shameless, how much did JAMB, FIRS, Customs etc. make between 2010 and 2015? Tell us.

I am sure you didn't hear of BH killings, destructions, maiming and complete shutdown and takeover of 14 LGAs and livelihoods in the NE, including the attack on UN building in Abuja etc, which of course does not in anyway justify the killings in Benue, Adamawa and Taraba, which the FG has owned up to and made unequivocal assurances to address.

You call N55million collection in 5 years vs more than N5billion collection in a year a nominal increase? Its either the word nominal has new sets of meaning or you do not know its meaning. Go and find out the FIRS now versus FIRS before, and you'll be swept off your feet.

I won't talk of the massive looting and recklessness that characterized that administration. What shame are you talking about?

Nobody is talking about the Jamb section...should we call that an achievement or extortion... is education not suppose to b free....

The reply is up to par but like we all know, the figures are always false. I vehemently refuse to agree.

When are we going to stop blaming past administration and move on in this country? We have been playing the blame game for the past three years!!!!
Kai

So101:
okay oh thanks

Ur welcome

CoolAmbience:
What were the agricultural outputs during the last administration? Let me have figures on at least a few staple foods. What is the status of the cassava bread initiative? How many fertilizer blending facilities operated under Mr. Adesina? And why are the 11 fertilizer blending facilities revamped by the current administration the only existing ones?

Speaking of being shameless, how much did JAMB, FIRS, Customs etc. make between 2010 and 2015? Tell us.

I am sure you didn't hear of BH killings, destructions, maiming and complete shutdown and takeover of 14 LGAs and livelihoods in the NE, including the attack on UN building in Abuja etc, which of course does not in anyway justify the killings in Benue, Adamawa and Taraba, which the FG has owned up to and made unequivocal assurances to address.

You call N55million collection in 5 years vs more than N5billion collection in a year a nominal increase? Its either the word nominal has new sets of meaning or you do not know its meaning. Go and find out the FIRS now versus FIRS before, and you'll be swept off your feet.

I won't talk of the massive looting and recklessness that characterized that administration. What shame are you talking about?

Iru kantan kantan wo le leyi laro Thursday nsin?

Is it that you people have sub optimal IQ or just plain wicked?

What is the agricultural output your god met when he released 10,000 tons of grains from the strategic grains reserves as hunger was about wiping out Nigerians in April 2016?

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/hunger-buhari-orders-release-10000-tons-grains/

What! What is the meaning of this?

Did 10,000 tons of grains germinate in the silos by magic?

Is fertilizer blending plant the beginning and the end of agriculture in a country?

Akinwumi Adesina was honour as the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate in recognition of his works on agriculture in Nigeria.

https://www.worldfoodprize.org/index.cfm/87428/44008/tel:(515)245-3783

And your boasts are not based on physical food on the table of Nigerians but a PPP financed fertilizer plants?

Does it not occur to you that you should not be boasting of 2015 level price of fertilizer now that you have your almighty PLANTS?

If a bag of fertilizer was sold for 5000 in 2015 without plants, does it sound intelligent to roll-out the drums celebrating the reduction in price from 10,000 to 5000 with plants in 2017/2018?

It doesn't look like you can read and comprehend simple English.

Otherwise, you won't deceptively switch the word "nominal" used for the Customs Service in my comment for JAMB in yours.

So killings by Fulani all over Nigeria is your own equivalent of "BH killings, destructions, maiming and complete shutdown and takeover of 14 LGAs and livelihoods"?

Have they stopped the killings, destruction, maiming and takeover of military hardware now?

As at today policemen and policewomen, university professors (UNIMAID lecturers) and several other people abducted when your god took office are still in Boko Haram captivity.

It has not even been a year that a Boko Haram attack alert on Abuja was issued.

You people are so demonic.

Any story that does not change the life of an average nigerian is not accepted tell buhari the truth stop lying.

I'd also like to add that IPOB pre-dated this Administration, yet it took military and legal steps against it. Why are other ideological and security challenges taking the form of "the issue was on before we came"?

itsdumebi:
@POLITICSNGR

Minister of Information and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress,APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has responded to Ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo's letter to Buhari.

In a statement obtained by PoliticsNGR, Lai Mohammed listed Buhari's achievements and gave reasons for the government's problems. The statement read;

"We have read the press statement by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the State of the Nation.

For the record, Chief Obasanjo is a patriot, and he has proven this time and time again. We appreciate what he said concerning the Administration's performance in two out of the three key issues that formed the plank of its campaign: Fighting corruption and tackling insurgency. Specifically, the former President said President Buhari must be given credit for his achievement so far in these two areas. We thank him for this.

Apparently, the former President believes that the Administration does not deserve a pass mark in the area of the economy, which is the third of our three-pronged campaign promises.

We have no doubt that in the face of massive challenges in this area, this Administration has availed itself creditably. We believe that Chief Obasanjo, because of his very busy schedule, may not have been fully availed of developments in the government's efforts to revamp the economy, which was battered by the consequences of over-dependence on a commodity as well as unprecedented pillaging of the treasury.

Today, most of the indices by which an economy is measured are looking up. Permit me to say, however, that Nigeria would not have exited recession through a mere order or if the Administration had not made use of ''good Nigerians'' who could help.

This Administration is making steady progress in its determined effort to revamp the economy, and the results are showing:

* Foreign Reserves have peaked at $40b, the highest level in about four years, and up from $24 billion just a year ago, even though when we came in, the price of oil had crashed woefully.

* According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBC), headline inflation has fallen for 11 consecutive months, standing at 15.37% as at Dec. 2017. This is the lowest inflation rate since Jan 2017, and it has met and surpassed the target set for inflation in the Administration's Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

* Our determined implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has stopped the hemorrhaging of the treasury. Some 108 billion Naira has been saved from removal of maintenance fees payable to banks, pre-TSA. The nation is being saved 24.7 billion Naira monthly with the full implementation of the TSA.

* The elimination of ghost workers has saved the nation 120 billion Naira

* At about 1.8 billion dollars, the capital inflows in the second quarter of 2017 were almost double the $908 million in the first quarter.

* In the wake of a stable Naira and increased investment inflows, Nigeria’s stock market emerged one of the best-performing in the world, delivering returns in excess of 40 percent.

* Nigeria rose 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking, and earned a place on the List of Top 10 Reformers in the world.

* According to Q3 2017 figures, agriculture export is up year-on-year by 25%, solid minerals exports are up year-on-year by 78%, raw materials exports are up 70% year-on-year and manufactured goods exports are up 22% year-on-year.

* Government agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service are reporting highest-ever revenue collection, while JAMB, under the new management appointed by President Buhari in 2016, remitted N7.8 billion to the coffers of the federal government.

The total amount remitted by JAMB between 2010 and 2016 was a paltry N51 million!
These positive indices may not have immediately impacted positively on Nigerians, but Nigerians will definitely get a new lease of life a short while from now. This is because the good news from the agricultural sector, which is recording a bumper harvest, will bring down the cost of foodstuffs, especially such staple as rice, and our massive Social Investment Programme will ease the pain of the most vulnerable in the society.

When we assumed office in 2015, some 6 million farmers were involved in rice production. Thanks to the Anchor Borrowers' programme of this Administration, we have grown that number to over 12 million farmers. The result is that our rice import from Thailand alone has dropped from 644 metric tonnes to 22,000 MT in just two years. This is phenomenal.

Apart from rice, Nigeria is also doing well in other grains,
especially Millet, Sorghum and Maize. We are now the second largest producer of sorghum after the US, the third in millet after India and our breweries are now enjoying local sourcing of those commodities.

For maize, we are producing 10 million tons while we need about 13 million tons for both human and animal nutrition. Nigeria leads the world in the yam and cassava production. We account for 70% of the world's yam production. In two years, we hope to be the world's largest exporter of yam! Overall, our ambition is that agriculture should rise from 25% to 40% of GDP, so that we can banish poverty and overcome our economic anxiety.

Our Social Investment Programme is Nigeria’s most ambitious social welfare programme ever. Currently, 5.2 million primary school children in 28,249 schools in 19 states are being fed daily; 200,000 unemployed graduates have enlisted into the N-power Job Scheme, and a quarter of a million loans already distributed to artisans, traders, and farmers.

Finally, our investment in infrastructure is simply unprecedented. This is because infrastructure is key to faster economic growth and development.

Here is a synopsis of what we have done in this area:
* Power Generation at an all-time high of 7,000mw and all can be transmitted

* RAIL: Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge is on. Lagos-Ibadan sector ready 2019, Kano-Kaduna ready 2019; The entire stretch ready 2021; Negotiations on for Coastal Rail covering 15 cities from Lagos to Calabar.

* ROAD: 25 major highways being funded with the N100b Sukuk Bond, and all geo-political zones are benefitting equally

This Administration is not unaware of the enormity of the challenges facing the nation, but we are up to the task. We have taken the bull by the horns, and long-suffering Nigerians will begin to experience a new lease of life as our efforts yield fruits. We will not go into a state of funk for whatever reason.

On the Herders/Farmers' clashes, this Administration is determined to end the crisis resulting from this once and for all, not minding the fact that the clashes predate us. we urge Nigerians to have faith in the Administration's ability to resolve the crisis, and to watch out for concrete measures in this regard.

On whether or not President Muhammadu Buhari should run for another term, it is true that many Nigerians have been calling on the President to run again, while others are opposed to his return. However, we believe this issue is a distraction for the President at this time. This is because Mr. President spends every waking hour tackling the enormous challenges facing the nation, most of which were bequeathed to his Administration by successive past Administrations. He is committed to fulfilling the mandate given to him by Nigerians in 2015. And that's where we are right now!

Finally, we have no reason to believe that former President Obasanjo has any motive beyond the well-being of the nation in issuing his Special Press Statement. We have also taken his admonition in good faith, and we thank him most sincerely for taking time off his busy schedule to pen such a long statement.

https://politicsngr.com/just-in-lai-mohammed-replies-obasanjo-over-letter-to-buhari/

Question please!!!!

Are we as citizens not suppose to feel these achievements? Why do we only read what this and that said. The media or statistics you paid to say all these will not help Nigeria..... The country is suffering pls help us

itsdumebi:
@POLITICSNGR

Minister of Information and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress,APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has responded to Ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo's letter to Buhari.

In a statement obtained by PoliticsNGR, Lai Mohammed listed Buhari's achievements and gave reasons for the government's problems. The statement read;

"We have read the press statement by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the State of the Nation.

For the record, Chief Obasanjo is a patriot, and he has proven this time and time again. We appreciate what he said concerning the Administration's performance in two out of the three key issues that formed the plank of its campaign: Fighting corruption and tackling insurgency. Specifically, the former President said President Buhari must be given credit for his achievement so far in these two areas. We thank him for this.

Apparently, the former President believes that the Administration does not deserve a pass mark in the area of the economy, which is the third of our three-pronged campaign promises.

We have no doubt that in the face of massive challenges in this area, this Administration has availed itself creditably. We believe that Chief Obasanjo, because of his very busy schedule, may not have been fullyernment's efforts to revamp the economy, which was battered by the consequences of over-dependence on a commodity as well as unprecedented pillaging of the treasury.

Today, most of the indices by which an economy is measured are looking up. Permit me to say, however, that Nigeria would not have exited recession through a mere order or if the Administration had not made use of ''good Nigerians'' who could help.

This Administration is making steady progress in its determined effort to revamp the economy, and the results are showing:

* Foreign Reserves have peaked at $40b, the highest level in about four years, and up from $24 billion just a year ago, even though when we came in, the price of oil had crashed woefully.

* According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBC), headline inflation has fallen for 11 consecutive months, standing at 15.37% as at Dec. 2017. This is the lowest inflation rate since Jan 2017, and it has met and surpassed the target set for inflation in the Administration's Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

* Our determined implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has stopped the hemorrhaging of the treasury. Some 108 billion Naira has been saved from removal of maintenance fees payable to banks, pre-TSA. The nation is being saved 24.7 billion Naira monthly with the full implementation of the ith the full implementation of the TSA.

* The elimination of ghost workers has saved the nation 120 billion Naira

* At about 1.8 billion dollars, the capital inflows in the second quarter of 2017 were almost double the $908 million in the first quarter.

* In the wake of a stable Naira and increased investment inflows, Nigeria’s stock market emerged one of the best-performing in the world, delivering returns in excess of 40 percent.

* Nigeria rose 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking, and earned a place on the List of Top 10 Reformers in the world.

* According to Q3 2017 figures, agriculture export is up year-on-year by 25%, solid minerals exports are up year-on-year by 78%, raw materials exports are up 70% year-on-year and manufactured goods exports are up 22% year-on-year.

* Government agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service are reporting highest-ever revenue collection, while JAMB, under the new management appointed by President Buhari in 2016, remitted N7.8 billion to the coffers of the federal government.

The total amount remitted by JAMB between 2010 and 2016 was a paltry N51 million!
These positive indices may not have immediately impacted positively on Nigerians, but Nigerians will definitely get a new lease of life a short while from now. This is because the good news from the agricultural sector, which is recording a bumper harvest, will bring down the cost of foodstuffs, especially such staple as rice, and our massive Social Investment Programme will ease the pain of the most vulnerable in the society.

When we assumed office in 2015, some 6 million farmers were involved in rice production. Thanks to the Anchor Borrowers' programme of this Administration, we have grown that number to over 12 million farmers. The result is that our rice import from Thailand alone has dropped from 644 metric tonnes to 22,000 MT in just two years. This is phenomenal.

Apart from rice, Nigeria is also doing well in other grains,
especially Millet, Sorghum and Maize. We are now the second largest producer of sorghum after the US, the third in millet after India and our breweries are now enjoying local sourcing of those commodities.

For maize, we are producing 10 million tons while we need about 13 million tons for both human and animal nutrition. Nigeria leads the world in the yam and cassava production. We account for 70% of the world's yam production. In two years, we hope to be the world's largest exporter of yam! Overall, our ambition is that agriculture should rise from 25% to 40% of GDP, so that we can banish poverty and overcome our economic anxiety.

Our Social Investment Programme is Nigeria’s most ambitious social welfare programme ever. Currently, 5.2 million primary school children in 28,249 schools in 19 states are being fed daily; 200,000 unemployed graduates have enlisted into the N-power Job Scheme, and a quarter of a million loans already distributed to artisans, traders, and farmers.

Finally, our investment in infrastructure is simply unprecedented. This is because infrastructure is key to faster economic growth and development.

Here is a synopsis of what we have done in this area:
* Power Generation at an all-time high of 7,000mw and all can be transmitted

* RAIL: Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge is on. Lagos-Ibadan sector ready 2019, Kano-Kaduna ready 2019; The entire stretch ready 2021; Negotiations on for Coastal Rail covering 15 cities from Lagos to Calabar.

* ROAD: 25 major highways being funded with the N100b Sukuk Bond, and all geo-political zones are benefitting equally

This Administration is not unaware of the enormity of the challenges facing the nation, but we are up to the task. We have taken the bull by the horns, and long-suffering Nigerians will begin to experience a new lease of life as our efforts yield fruits. We will not go into a state of funk for whatever reason.

On the Herders/Farmers' clashes, this Administration is determined to end the crisis resulting from this once and for all, not minding the fact that the clashes predate us. we urge Nigerians to have faith in the Administration's ability to resolve the crisis, and to watch out for concrete measures in this regard.

On whether or not President Muhammadu Buhari should run for another term, it is true that many Nigerians have been calling on the President to run again, while others are opposed to his return. However, we believe this issue is a distraction for the President at this time. This is because Mr. President spends every waking hour tackling the enormous challenges facing the nation, most of which were bequeathed to his Administration by successive past Administrations. He is committed to fulfilling the mandate given to him by Nigerians in 2015. And that's where we are right now!

Finally, we have no reason to believe that former President Obasanjo has any motive beyond the well-being of the nation in issuing his Special Press Statement. We have also taken his admonition in good faith, and we thank him most sincerely for taking time off his busy schedule to pen such a long statement.

https://politicsngr.com/just-in-lai-mohammed-replies-obasanjo-over-letter-to-buhari/

Question please!!!!

Are we as citizens not suppose to feel these achievements? Why do we only read what this and that said. The media or statistics you paid to say all these will not help Nigeria..... The country is suffering pls help us

progress69:
honestly.....this response is full of wisdom. Despite being an unrepentant Buharist, I wasn't expecting such a fantastic response. honestly!

They do something well at last!

GoodGovernance:
You see no change, because of lack of vision.

(K)Caput ,2018.

Man of vision.
Your vision is sentiment. What has changed? Is it the legalized corruption at NNPC or the $44M that disappeared from CIA vouch?
Is it the killing all over Nigeria? Or the highways that are not safe? How many States are up to date in salary with all the bailouts? Wake up. It can only happen in Nigeria where sentiment, Religion and nepotism rule.