The Nigerian government on Tuesday acknowledged that inflation and insecurity remain major challenges facing the country, while defending the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the past three years.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume said the administration was aware of the hardship experienced by many Nigerians but argued that recent economic indicators point to gradual improvement.
“The government would never claim that every challenge has been solved,” Akume said. “While we pursue various reforms diligently, with purpose and compassion, the government recognizes that inflation has been painful, though it is on a downward trend.”
He also acknowledged that insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across the country.
The briefing, attended by members of the Federal Executive Council, formed part of activities marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria and served as what officials described as an accountability exercise midway through the administration’s first term.
Despite public concerns over the rising cost of living and persistent security threats, Akume said government reforms were beginning to produce results.
“Evidence shows that the country is moving in the right direction,” he said.
The SGF cited official figures showing Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.07% in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89% in the first quarter of 2026.
He also highlighted social intervention programs introduced since 2023, including student loans, cash transfers and consumer credit schemes. According to Akume, more than one million students have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with over N184 billion disbursed for tuition and living expenses.
The government further defended fiscal reforms, including tax measures signed into law in 2025, saying the policies were designed to improve revenue generation and strengthen public financial accountability.
On anti-corruption efforts, Akume said government agencies had continued to recover proceeds of crime and prosecute offenders, adding that some recovered funds had been used to support the student loan program.
He also credited reforms in anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing systems for Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list in October 2025.
“Accountability in this administration is sacrosanct,” he said.
Security remained a major focus of the briefing, with Akume conceding that the challenge had not been fully resolved.
“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.
According to the SGF, the administration is expanding the capacity of the armed forces and security agencies through increased recruitment, additional funding and enhanced cooperation with neighboring countries and international partners.
He urged citizens to support security agencies through intelligence sharing and vigilance, describing security as a collective responsibility.
Akume also called for national unity, warning against divisions based on ethnicity and religion.
“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 and recently approved a National Values Charter aimed at promoting citizenship, tolerance and national cohesion.
Looking ahead to the next election cycle, Akume said the administration intends to build on its reforms and seek renewed public support in the 2027 general elections.
“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.
“This government remains prepared to be judged by evidence.”
Information Minister Mohammed Idris, who delivered the welcome address, described Democracy Day as an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and honor those who contributed to the country’s return to civilian rule.
He paid tribute to pro-democracy figures, including late businessman and politician Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, as well as President Tinubu and others who participated in the struggle for democratic governance.
“Twenty-seven years of uninterrupted democratic governance is a milestone worthy of celebration,” Idris said. “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.”
Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted civilian rule since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, although economic pressures and security challenges have remained significant issues across successive administrations.
