ABUJA – Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria, Mr Ima Niboro, said on Wednesday in Abuja that the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) had solved some human development issues in Nigeria.
Speaking when he received the Chairman of the programme, Lt-Gen Martin Luther-Agwai, in his office, Niboro, however, observed that many Nigerians had not understood the “massive programme”, which had impacted positively on the nation`s economy.
“It is a massive project and only people who do not understand the economy of the subsidy quarrel about it.
“We know how the president holds the programme very close to his chest; we know how determined he is to ensure that the programme succeeds.
“SURE-P is not all about showing pictures; it is about how the project will impact in the nation and globally,” he said.
He said NAN was ready to assist SURE-P’s secretariat to enlighten the public on the programme and how individuals could key into it.
“We must let Nigerians know about the programme and projects of SURE-P; we must tell them what this administration is doing.
“This current administration is the best, because the projects are there for everyone to see; Nigeria has been reformed and transformed in so many areas,’’ Niboro stressed.
He commended the management of SURE-P for choosing the agency as a starting point in its enlightenment programme, saying that the scheme had been trying its best to tackle its challenges.
Earlier, Agwai attributed the various allegations and misrepresentation of the programme to communication gap.
He said that the misinformation on the N32 per litre accruing to the programme following the partial removal of subsidy had stimulated various allegations and speculations by Nigerians.
The SURE-P chairman said that it had become imperative to inform the public on what SURE-P had spent from the funds realised and how Nigerians could verify all information put out by its secretariat.
He expressed belief that given its prominent position as purveyor of information, NAN would assist SURE-P management in achieving the objective.
“We believe that if we can get the agency to hear and accept our story, it will be easier for Nigerians and the world to know what SURE-P is actually doing.
“Nigerians will through the agency know of our successes and the challenges, as well as what government has done to fulfill its promises.
“The SURE-P wants to rebuild credible confidence between Nigerians and the government which seems to be disappearing,’’ he said. (NAN)