The Nigerian Government has defended the economic and social reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that Nigeria is on the path to recovery despite prevailing hardship and security challenges.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume stated this at a World Press Conference ahead of the 2026 National Democracy Day in Abuja, Nigeria.
The SGF described the Democracy Day briefing as part of the administration’s commitment to accountability, saying June 12 symbolises both the sacrifices that birthed democratic rule and the responsibility of elected leaders to improve citizens’ welfare.
According to him, “available economic indicators showed that the country’s fortunes were improving under the Renewed Hope Agenda and government is committed to delivering on its promises.”
Senator Akume disclosed that Nigeria’s economy has recorded steady growth, with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanding by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.
While acknowledging that inflation and insecurity continue to affect citizens, the SGF maintained that the government’s reforms were beginning to produce tangible results.
He said; “Government will never claim that every challenge has been solved.
“Inflation has been painful, though it is on a downward trend. Insecurity still threatens lives and livelihoods, but evidence shows that the country is moving in the right direction.”
Highlighting some of the administration’s achievements, Senator Akume said “over three million vulnerable households had benefited from the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, while nearly one million Nigerians had accessed support under various government credit schemes.”
He disclosed that the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp) had disbursed N37 billion in consumer loans, with more than half of the beneficiaries obtaining formal credit for the first time.
On education, Senator Akume said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had supported more than 1.058 million students since the implementation of the Student Loan Act, with over N184 billion released for tuition and upkeep allowances.
He said that the administration had expanded access to healthcare through the National Health Insurance Authority framework and increased funding for primary healthcare facilities across the country.
On security, the SGF said the Nigerian Government was investing heavily in military capabilities and regional cooperation to combat terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.
He, however, urged citizens to complement government efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious movements to security agencies.
“We can say clearly that institutional responses are being sharpened, coordination is improving, and reforms are continuing because peace and civic order are foundations of democratic progress,” he stated.
Senator Akume further called for national unity and religious tolerance, saying diversity should be harnessed as a democratic strength rather than a source of division.
He said; “As we go into the cycle for the 2027 general elections, our responsibility is to finish what we commenced in 2023 and scale what is working.
“Our task is not completed yet and, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, more dividends will be delivered.”
He further emphasised that as the 2027 general election approaches, government would seek a revalidation of its mandate from Nigerians.
Senator Akume congratulated Nigerians for sustaining 27 uninterrupted years of democratic governance, describing the feat as one of the longest democratic experiences on the African continent.
