The Federal Government on Tuesday mounted a strong defence of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, insisting that the country is gradually turning the corner despite rising living costs, inflation and lingering security challenges.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, made the declaration during a national press conference in Abuja ahead of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, saying available economic indicators showed that the Renewed Hope Agenda was beginning to deliver results.
Akume maintained that while Nigerians were still grappling with economic hardship, the administration’s reforms had laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and national development.
He disclosed that Nigeria’s economy recorded a growth rate of 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, describing the figures as evidence that the economy was steadily recovering.
“Government will never claim that every challenge has been solved,” Akume said.
“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.”
The SGF said the administration remained committed to fulfilling its campaign promises and would seek what he described as “a revalidation of our mandate” from Nigerians as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
He noted that the Democracy Day briefing was part of efforts to deepen transparency and accountability, while reflecting on the sacrifices that restored democratic governance in Nigeria.
Akume congratulated Nigerians on sustaining 27 years of uninterrupted democracy, describing it as one of the longest democratic experiences on the African continent.
Highlighting achievements under the administration’s social intervention programmes, he revealed that over three million vulnerable households had benefited from the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme.
According to him, nearly one million Nigerians have also accessed support through various government-backed credit initiatives.
Akume disclosed that the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp) had disbursed N37 billion in consumer loans, with more than half of the beneficiaries receiving formal credit for the first time.
On education, he said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had supported over 1.058 million students since the Student Loan Act came into effect.
He added that more than N184 billion had been disbursed for tuition fees and upkeep allowances under the scheme.
The SGF further stated that the government had expanded healthcare access through the National Health Insurance Authority framework and increased investment in primary healthcare centres nationwide.
He also praised ongoing anti-corruption efforts, saying recovered funds and assets had been channelled into public intervention programmes, including the transfer of over N50 billion in recovered assets to support NELFUND.
Akume noted that Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 reflected progress made in strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures.
On security, he said the Federal Government had continued to invest heavily in military operations, intelligence gathering and regional partnerships to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
“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.
The SGF urged Nigerians to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
He also called for national unity and religious tolerance, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should be embraced as a strength rather than a source of division.
“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,” Akume said.
Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Democracy Day as an opportunity to honour the sacrifice and legacy of Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, whose struggle, he said, remains a symbol of democratic resilience in Nigeria.
Idris also acknowledged the contributions of many Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the struggle for democratic restoration.
“Twenty-seven years of uninterrupted democratic governance is a milestone worthy of celebration. It is a testament to the determination of Nigerians to uphold democratic values, strengthen national institutions, and continuously strive for a more prosperous and united nation,” he said.
The minister noted that this year’s Democracy Day celebration was particularly significant as it coincided with the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Administration.
He said the occasion would provide an opportunity to assess progress made, review ongoing reforms and outline the government’s vision for the future.
Other ministers who presented scorecards of their ministries included the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; and the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu.
