The Federal Government has acknowledged that inflation and insecurity remain major challenges confronting Nigerians, even as it defended the economic reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the past three years.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the government was fully aware of the hardships experienced by citizens but maintained that recent economic indicators suggest the country is making gradual progress.
Akume stated that while the administration remains committed to addressing the nation’s challenges, it would not claim that every problem had been solved.
“The government, though with all hands on deck, would never claim that every challenge has been solved.
“While we pursue various reforms diligently, with purpose and with compassion, the government recognises that inflation has been painful, though it is on a downward trend.
“The government is similarly conscious of the fact that insecurity still threatens lives and livelihoods,” he said.
The briefing, attended by members of the Federal Executive Council, formed part of activities commemorating 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria and served as what the SGF described as an accountability exercise midway into the administration’s first term.
Despite acknowledging concerns over the rising cost of living and persistent insecurity, Akume argued that government reforms were beginning to produce measurable results.
“Evidence shows that the country is moving in the right direction,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 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, figures he cited as evidence of economic recovery and resilience.
The SGF also highlighted several social intervention programmes introduced by the administration since 2023, including student loans, conditional cash transfers and consumer credit schemes.
He disclosed that more than one million students had benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with over N184 billion disbursed for tuition fees and upkeep allowances.
Akume further stated that millions of vulnerable households had received support through the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, while government-backed credit initiatives had expanded access to financing for individuals and businesses.
The administration also defended its fiscal reforms, including tax measures enacted in 2025, arguing that the policies were designed to strengthen public revenue, improve fiscal discipline and enhance accountability in government spending.
On anti-corruption efforts, the SGF said relevant agencies had intensified the recovery of stolen public funds and prosecution of offenders.
He revealed that some recovered assets had been channelled into funding key government programmes, including the student loan scheme.
Akume also linked Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 to reforms in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems.
“Accountability in this administration is sacrosanct,” he stated.
Addressing security concerns, Akume admitted that insecurity remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges.
“We continue to confront internal security challenges. Government will not pretend that insecurity will disappear today without the active support of all Nigerians,” he said.
He noted that the administration had increased recruitment into the armed forces and other security agencies while providing additional resources and equipment to enhance operational effectiveness.
The SGF added that the government was strengthening collaboration with neighbouring countries and international partners as part of efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
He urged Nigerians to support security agencies through intelligence sharing and vigilance, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
Akume also called for greater national unity, warning against ethnic and religious divisions.
“In a country as diverse and plural as ours, development is strongest when trust is stronger than division,” he said.
He noted that the government continues to support interfaith dialogue through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) and recently approved a National Values Charter aimed at promoting responsible citizenship, tolerance and national cohesion.
In what appeared to be a clear indication of the administration’s political outlook ahead of the next general election, Akume said the government intends to consolidate on its reforms and seek renewed support from Nigerians in 2027.
“Our responsibility is to finish what we commenced in 2023, and as we go into the cycle for the 2027 general elections seeking a revalidation of our mandate, we shall scale what is working,” he said.
He added that the administration remained open to public scrutiny and evaluation.
“This government remains prepared to be judged by evidence,” Akume stated.
In his welcome address, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Democracy Day as a significant occasion for reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the sacrifices made by those who fought for democratic governance.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Reforms Will Yield Tangible Results This Year — FG Assures Nigerians
“Democracy Day occupies a unique place in our national calendar. It provides an opportunity for us to reflect on our democratic journey, celebrate the resilience of our institutions, and honour the sacrifices of patriots who stood firm in the struggle for democratic governance,” he said.
Idris paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, widely regarded as the symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, as well as other pro-democracy activists, including President Bola Tinubu.
“As we gather today, we pay tribute to the memory and enduring legacy of Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, whose commitment to democratic ideals remains an inspiration to generations of Nigerians.
“We also acknowledge the many Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who played significant roles in the pro-democracy movement and contributed to the restoration of democratic rule in our country,” he stated.
The minister described Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule as a remarkable achievement and evidence of the nation’s commitment to democratic values.
“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.
He noted that this year’s Democracy Day celebration coincides with the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration, providing an opportunity to assess achievements and renew commitment to national development.
Among those present at the briefing were the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, and other senior government officials.
Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted civilian governance since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, although the country continues to grapple with economic pressures, inflation, insecurity and other developmental challenges that successive administrations have sought to address.