By Nkechi Eze
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has defended the economic and social reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, stating that Nigeria is gradually recovering from longstanding economic and security challenges under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to an official signed statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, Akume made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a national press conference in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The SGF said available economic indicators showed that the country’s fortunes were improving, despite the hardship experienced by many Nigerians following the implementation of key economic reforms.
He noted that Nigeria’s economy 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 the impact of inflation and insecurity on citizens, Akume maintained that the government’s policies were beginning to yield measurable results.
“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,” he said.
Akume described the Democracy Day briefing as part of the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that June 12 represents both the sacrifices that secured democratic governance and the responsibility of elected leaders to improve the welfare of citizens.
He congratulated Nigerians on sustaining 27 uninterrupted years of democratic rule, describing the achievement as one of the longest democratic experiences on the African continent.
Highlighting the administration’s social intervention programmes, the SGF disclosed that more than three million vulnerable households had benefited from the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, while nearly one million Nigerians had accessed support through various government credit schemes.
According to him, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp) has disbursed N37 billion in consumer loans, with more than half of the beneficiaries obtaining access to formal credit for the first time.
On education, Akume said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had supported over 1.058 million students since the implementation of the Student Loan Act, with more than N184 billion released for tuition payments and upkeep allowances.
He added that the administration had expanded healthcare access through the National Health Insurance Authority framework while increasing funding for primary healthcare facilities nationwide.
The SGF also highlighted the government’s anti-corruption efforts, noting that funds recovered by anti-graft agencies had been channelled into public intervention programmes, including the transfer of more than N50 billion in recovered assets to support NELFUND.
According to him, Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 reflected the success of reforms aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering measures and counter-terrorism financing mechanisms.
On security, Akume said the Federal Government was investing significantly in military capabilities and strengthening regional cooperation to combat terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality across the country.
He, however, urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
“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 further called for national unity, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should be harnessed as a source of strength rather than 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,” he said.
The press conference formed part of activities lined up for the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, with ministers expected to provide sector-specific briefings on achievements recorded by the administration over the past year.
