.…Envoys urge transparency, inclusive governance ahead of 2027 politics
….Uzodimma says subsidy removal, FX reforms boosted reserves, FAAC allocations
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has received backing from members of the diplomatic community in Nigeria, who described the reform programme as a framework capable of tackling poverty, insecurity and economic challenges facing the country.
Speaking during an engagement with diplomats in Abuja, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the Renewed Hope Agenda aligns with the aspirations of Nigeria’s international partners and reflects a governance approach focused on inclusive growth and democratic development.
The meeting, chaired by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, was organised to strengthen collaboration between state governments and international partners on governance, investment, development cooperation and democratic reforms.
Mignot noted that governors, being closer to the people, are better positioned to address poverty, insecurity and other socio-economic challenges at the grassroots level.
He commended Uzodimma for presenting what he described as a detailed analysis of the Renewed Hope Agenda and its expected impact on governance, economic reforms and development.
“We see Nigeria as a country of opportunity,” the envoy stated, while assuring of continued cooperation with Nigeria on democratic governance, economic growth and institutional reforms.
The EU ambassador, however, stressed the need for the policies and reforms under the agenda to produce visible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, especially in the areas of job creation, social welfare and economic stability.
Mignot also said the diplomatic community was closely monitoring upcoming elections in the country, stressing the importance of transparency, inclusiveness and democratic consolidation.
Also speaking, the Ambassador of Liberia to Nigeria, John Ballout, praised Nigeria’s historic role in promoting peace and stability across West Africa.
Ballout described Nigeria as a “pace-setter and big brother in Africa,” while assuring the country of Liberia’s solidarity and support as it navigates economic and political challenges.
Similarly, the Ambassador of the Philippines, Mersole J. Mellejor, speaking on behalf of ASEAN countries, described the forum as timely and relevant.
He said the engagement would strengthen collaboration between Nigeria and Southeast Asian nations in areas of sustainable development, unity and shared prosperity.
In his remarks, Uzodimma said the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda had improved Nigeria’s fiscal position, raised foreign reserves to $49.4 billion and increased monthly FAAC allocations to between N1.8 trillion and N2.6 trillion.
According to him, the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market have restored investor confidence and improved government revenue across all levels.
Uzodimma described the fuel subsidy removal as one of the biggest anti-corruption measures undertaken in the country, arguing that the former subsidy regime had become a channel for massive financial leakages.
