FG Says Nigeria on Recovery Path, Defends Tinubu’s Reform Agenda

The Federal Government has defended President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, insisting that Nigeria is gradually moving out of economic fragility and laying a stronger foundation for long-term growth, despite the short-term challenges accompanying ongoing policy changes. Speaking at a Democracy Day press conference in Abuja marking 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule and three years of the Renewed Hope administration, senior government officials said recent economic and institutional indicators show that the country is on a path of recovery and structural improvement. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Democracy Day as an important moment for national reflection, adding that it also offers an opportunity to assess the performance of the current administration. He paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola and other pro-democracy figures, noting their role in the struggle that restored democratic governance in Nigeria. According to him, the current celebration is particularly significant as it coincides with the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration, allowing for a review of policy outcomes under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Also speaking, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, acknowledged the economic hardship faced by citizens but maintained that government reforms are beginning to yield measurable results. He said while challenges such as inflation and insecurity persist, available data suggests gradual progress from economic instability toward more structured growth. Akume disclosed that Nigeria’s economy has recorded positive growth in recent quarters, citing National Bureau of Statistics figures showing GDP growth of 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026. He added that these indicators reflect improving investor confidence, rising economic activity, and broader structural adjustments across key sectors.

The SGF also highlighted major fiscal reforms, including the signing of four tax reform laws in June 2025 aimed at simplifying tax administration, improving transparency, and boosting revenue generation. On education, he said the Student Loan Scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has supported more than 1.058 million students, with over N184 billion disbursed for tuition and upkeep since its establishment in April 2024. He described the initiative as one of the administration’s most impactful social interventions in the education sector. Akume also pointed to expanded social welfare programmes, noting that millions of vulnerable households have benefited from conditional cash transfers and credit schemes designed to improve access to finance and reduce poverty. In the health sector, he said government reforms under the National Health Insurance Authority and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund are strengthening access to primary healthcare, with support extended to thousands of facilities nationwide and plans for further expansion. On anti-corruption efforts, he stated that agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have intensified asset recovery and prosecution of financial crimes, contributing recovered funds to key social programmes. He further noted that Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 reflects international recognition of improvements in financial transparency and anti-money laundering compliance. On security, the government said while threats from terrorism and banditry have not been fully eliminated, ongoing investments in security operations and inter-agency coordination are yielding gradual improvements. Akume urged Nigerians to support security efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities, stressing that national security requires collective responsibility. He also highlighted the approval of a National Values Charter aimed at promoting citizenship, discipline, and national unity. Looking ahead, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to completing ongoing reforms, noting that efforts will continue toward delivering more tangible benefits to citizens ahead of the 2027 election cycle. He added that the administration remains prepared to be assessed based on measurable outcomes, as ministers presented sectoral progress reports during the briefing.

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