June 10, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government has defended the economic and social reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, insisting that Nigeria is on the path to recovery despite prevailing economic hardship and persistent security challenges across parts of the country.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the assertion on Tuesday during a national press conference in Abuja held as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
Akume said available economic indicators showed that the country’s fortunes were gradually improving under the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the government remained committed to delivering on its promises to Nigerians.
He also signalled the administration’s intention to seek what he described as a “revalidation of our mandate” from Nigerians during the 2027 general elections.
According to the SGF, Nigeria’s economy has recorded steady growth despite global economic uncertainties and domestic challenges, 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 economic difficulties facing many citizens, Akume maintained that government reforms were beginning to produce 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.
The SGF 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 birthed democratic governance and the responsibility of elected leaders to improve citizens’ welfare.
He congratulated Nigerians for sustaining 27 uninterrupted years of democratic rule, describing the achievement as one of the longest democratic experiences on the African continent.
Highlighting some of the administration’s social intervention programmes, Akume disclosed that more than three million vulnerable households had benefited from the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme.
He added that nearly one million Nigerians had accessed support under various government-backed credit schemes aimed at boosting financial inclusion and supporting small businesses.
According to him, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp) has disbursed N37 billion in consumer loans, with more than half of the beneficiaries obtaining formal credit facilities for the first time.
On education, Akume said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has supported over 1.058 million students since the implementation of the Student Loan Act.
He disclosed that more than N184 billion had been released for tuition payments and upkeep allowances, describing the programme as a major intervention to improve access to tertiary education.
The SGF also highlighted progress in the health sector, stating that the administration had expanded access to healthcare through the National Health Insurance Authority framework while increasing investments in primary healthcare facilities nationwide.
On anti-corruption efforts, Akume said proceeds recovered by anti-graft agencies were being channelled towards public welfare programmes.
He revealed that more than N50 billion in recovered assets had been transferred to support the NELFUND initiative, adding that the government remained committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in public finance management.
The SGF further cited Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 as evidence of the success of reforms targeting money laundering and terrorism financing.
Speaking on security, Akume said the Federal Government was investing heavily in military capabilities, intelligence gathering and regional cooperation to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Although he acknowledged that insecurity remained a major concern, he argued that government responses were becoming increasingly coordinated and effective.
“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 citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
He also called for national unity, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen 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,” Akume said.
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