ABUJA — The Federal Government on Tuesday mounted a strong defence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, insisting that Nigeria is steadily emerging from economic fragility and laying the foundation for sustainable growth despite the hardships associated with ongoing reforms.
Speaking at a high-profile Democracy Day press conference in Abuja to commemorate Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance and the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Administration, senior government officials maintained that key economic and social indicators point to a nation on the path of recovery, institutional strengthening and long-term prosperity.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Democracy Day as a significant moment for national reflection, accountability and celebration of the sacrifices that secured democratic rule in Nigeria.
He paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, widely regarded as the symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, while also acknowledging the contributions of pro-democracy activists, including President Tinubu, in the fight that culminated in the restoration of civilian rule in 1999.
According to Idris, this year’s Democracy Day celebration holds added significance as it coincides with the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration, offering an opportunity to evaluate the impact of policies implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Twenty-seven years of uninterrupted democratic governance is a milestone worthy of celebration. It reflects the determination of Nigerians to uphold democratic values, strengthen institutions and build a more prosperous nation,” he said.
Representing President Tinubu at the event, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, acknowledged the economic challenges facing Nigerians but maintained that the administration’s reforms were beginning to produce measurable results.
“Government will never claim that every challenge has been solved,” Akume said.
“Inflation has been painful, insecurity still threatens lives and livelihoods, and the effects of reform do not land evenly or immediately. However, evidence shows that Nigeria is moving in the right direction—from fragility toward firmer footing, from stop-gap actions toward systemic reform, and from scattered interventions toward a more connected programme of delivery.”
He stressed that President Tinubu remains fully aware of the difficulties confronting citizens and is committed to ensuring that the benefits of the reforms become increasingly visible.
Highlighting economic performance, Akume disclosed that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) maintained positive growth over the last two quarters, citing National Bureau of Statistics figures showing growth rates of 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.
According to him, the figures reflect growing investor confidence, increased market activity and improved productivity across various sectors of the economy.
The SGF also pointed to fiscal reforms undertaken by the administration, including four major tax reform laws signed by President Tinubu in June 2025, aimed at simplifying compliance, improving transparency and boosting domestic revenue generation.
Akume described the Student Loan Scheme as one of the administration’s most impactful interventions in the education sector. He revealed that since the enactment of the Student Loan Act in April 2024, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has supported more than 1.058 million students nationwide, with over ₦184 billion disbursed for tuition and upkeep allowances.
“The public impact analysis shows that over 1.058 million students have already benefited from the scheme,” he said.
On social welfare, Akume stated that the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, designed to support 15 million households, had reached more than three million vulnerable households as of August 2025.
He added that nearly one million Nigerians across all 774 local government areas had benefited from interventions under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp).
According to him, CreditCorp has expanded access to formal credit, benefiting over 200,000 Nigerians, with ₦37 billion disbursed in 2025 alone.
The SGF further highlighted gains in the healthcare sector, noting that the administration has intensified efforts to improve access to quality medical services through the implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
He disclosed that government support has been extended to more than 8,000 primary healthcare centres nationwide, with plans underway to increase coverage to 13,000 facilities. He also revealed that President Tinubu had directed the mandatory implementation of health insurance across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
On anti-corruption efforts, Akume said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had continued to recover stolen public funds and prosecute offenders.
He disclosed that the EFCC contributed more than ₦50 billion in recovered assets to support the student loan programme.
Akume also announced that Nigeria was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List in October 2025 following improvements in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures.
“Accountability in this administration is sacrosanct,” he stated.
Addressing security concerns, the SGF acknowledged that terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities remain challenges but maintained that significant progress is being made through increased investment in security agencies, enhanced regional cooperation and improved military operations.
“The good news is that we are succeeding,” he said, while commending members of the armed forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices.
He urged Nigerians to support security efforts by promptly reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
“Security must become our collective national project,” Akume added.
The SGF also underscored the importance of national unity, religious tolerance and shared values in sustaining democracy. He disclosed that the Federal Executive Council had approved the National Values Charter to promote discipline, responsible citizenship, service and tolerance among Nigerians.
He reaffirmed government support for the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) as a platform for strengthening Christian-Muslim relations and fostering national stability.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Akume signalled the administration’s readiness to seek a renewed mandate, insisting that the government remains focused on consolidating reforms initiated since 2023.
“Our responsibility is to finish what we commenced in 2023,” he said.
“As we approach the 2027 election cycle, we shall scale what is working. Our task is not completed yet, and under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, more dividends of democracy will be delivered.”
Describing June 12 as more than a symbolic date, Akume said it represents both the sacrifices made in the struggle for democracy and the obligation of elected leaders to remain accountable to the people.
“This government is prepared to be judged by evidence,” he declared, as ministers presented sector-by-sector reports on the administration’s performance.
The event formed part of activities marking Democracy Day, which commemorates the June 12, 1993 presidential election and celebrates Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
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