President Bola Tinubu has said his administration is working to address economic challenges confronting the Nigerians by creating innovative business models in the mining sector and curbing oil theft.

Tinubu said his administration is sensitive to the citizens’ needs despite the harsh economic challenges being experienced.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the graduation ceremony of Course 32 of the National Defence College in Abuja yesterday, Tinubu said his administration had made significant strides in addressing some challenges being encountered by the citizens.

He specifically listed the ₦70,000 minimum new wage as one of the steps taken to address the economic challenges.

He said, “Our dear country faces many socio-economic challenges. As a government, we are sensitive to our people’s needs. We will continue to actively intervene in matters that benefit our citizens.“Recently, we have made significant strides in addressing some of these challenges. We have implemented a new national minimum wage, which will benefit not only civilian workers but also personnel of the Nigerian armed forces and other security agencies.”

He also said his administration was working tirelessly to curb crude oil theft as soon as possible to achieve economic stability.

Tinubu said, “Our border-local dependent forces and other security agencies will counter the menace of crude oil theft as soon as possible. This will not result in foreign protection and achieve our desired economic stability.‘’

He said in order to address the hardship experienced by Nigerians, his administration was committed to creating an innovative business in the mining sector.“We are working with international partners to develop strategies that will harness these sectors’ potential for national security and development,” he added.

While commending the efforts of the military under his administration, Tinubu assured that he would ensure they were well-funded and ready for battle.

Commandant of the institution, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, said a total of 111 participants participated in the course.

Giving a breakdown, he said 35 were from the Nigerian Army, 19 Navy, 12 Air Force, five police officers and the Department of State Services had three.

Nigeria Customs Service, National Judicial Council, Ministry of Defence, and Defence Intelligence Agency had two participants each.