The Federal Government on Tuesday acknowledged that inflation and insecurity remain major challenges facing Nigerians, even as it defended the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said the administration was aware of the hardship caused by its policies but insisted that key economic indicators were showing signs of improvement.
“The government, though with all hands on deck, would never claim that every challenge has been solved,” Akume said.
He added that while reforms were being implemented with “purpose and compassion,” inflation remained painful, even though it was “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 marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria. It was also described as an opportunity for the administration to account for its performance midway into its first term.
Despite acknowledging public concerns over rising living costs and insecurity, the SGF maintained that the government’s economic direction was yielding results.
“Evidence shows that the country is moving in the right direction,” he said.
Akume cited official economic data indicating that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.
He also highlighted the administration’s social intervention programmes, including cash transfers, student loans, and consumer credit schemes introduced since 2023.
According to him, more than one million students have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with over N184 billion disbursed for tuition and upkeep.
He added that millions of households had received support through the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer programme, while credit schemes had expanded access to formal financing for citizens.
The government also defended its fiscal reforms, including tax legislation signed into law in 2025, saying the measures were aimed at improving revenue generation and strengthening public finance accountability.
On anti-corruption efforts, Akume said anti-graft agencies had recovered proceeds of crime and contributed recovered funds to national development programmes, including student loan financing.
He also linked Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 to improved anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks.
“Accountability in this administration is sacrosanct,” he said.
However, insecurity remained a central concern in his remarks. Akume acknowledged that the challenge persists despite ongoing efforts.
“We continue to confront internal security challenges. Government will not pretend that insecurity will disappear today without the active support of all Nigerians,” he stated.
He said the administration was expanding the capacity of security agencies through increased recruitment, funding, and international cooperation, while urging citizens to support intelligence gathering and community vigilance.
The SGF also used the Democracy Day event to call for 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 initiatives such as interfaith dialogue and a newly approved National Values Charter were aimed at strengthening national cohesion.
Akume further stated that the government intends to build on ongoing reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections, suggesting that the administration would seek public endorsement for its performance.
“Our responsibility is to finish what we commenced in 2023,” he said.
He added that the administration was ready to be judged by its record.
“This government remains prepared to be judged by evidence,” he said.
In his remarks, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Democracy Day as a moment of reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey and a tribute to those who contributed to its restoration.
He highlighted the significance of 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999, describing it as a milestone in Nigeria’s political development despite ongoing governance and security challenges.
Nigeria continues to face inflationary pressures driven by currency depreciation, subsidy reforms, global economic shocks, and structural constraints, while insecurity remains persistent in several regions of the country.
