The Federal Government has admitted that inflation and insecurity remain major challenges confronting Nigerians despite ongoing economic and security reforms by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated this on Tuesday during a press conference in Abuja to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
Akume said the administration was aware of the hardship caused by some of its policies but maintained that recent economic indicators showed signs of improvement.
“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.
According to him, the briefing formed part of activities commemorating 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule and provided an opportunity for the administration to account for its performance midway into its first term.
While acknowledging public concerns over rising living costs and security challenges, Akume insisted that government reforms were beginning to yield positive results.
“Evidence shows that the country is moving in the right direction,” he stated.
The SGF said 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 impact of government intervention programmes, including student loans, conditional cash transfers and consumer credit schemes.
According to Akume, more than one million students have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, with over N184 billion disbursed for tuition and upkeep.
He added that millions of households had benefited from the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, while government-backed credit initiatives had expanded access to formal financing.
Defending the administration’s fiscal reforms, including tax measures signed into law in 2025, Akume said the policies were designed to improve revenue generation and strengthen accountability in public finance.
On anti-corruption efforts, he said anti-graft agencies had continued to recover proceeds of crime and prosecute offenders, noting that recovered funds had contributed to financing the student loan scheme.
He further 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 frameworks.
“Accountability in this administration is sacrosanct,” he said.
Speaking on security, Akume admitted that the challenge remained a major concern.
“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.
The SGF said the administration was strengthening the capacity of the armed forces and other security agencies through increased recruitment and funding, while enhancing collaboration with neighbouring 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, saying development would be faster when citizens prioritise trust over ethnic and religious divisions.
“In a country as diverse and plural as ours, development is strongest when trust is stronger than division,” he said.
According to him, the government continues to support interfaith dialogue through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council and has approved a National Values Charter aimed at promoting citizenship, tolerance and national cohesion.
The SGF also indicated that the administration would seek Nigerians’ support in the 2027 general elections based on the outcome of its reforms.
“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.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Democracy Day as an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and honour those who fought for democratic governance.
“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,” Idris said.
He paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other pro-democracy activists, including President Tinubu, for their roles in restoring democratic rule.
The minister noted that 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance remained a significant milestone in Nigeria’s political history.
“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 added.
