ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has defended the economic and social policies introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, arguing that recent economic data points to gradual recovery despite persistent concerns over inflation, insecurity and the rising cost of living.
Okay News reports that Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, made the remarks on Tuesday during a national press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration. Akume said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was beginning to deliver measurable outcomes and expressed confidence that Nigerians would ultimately endorse the government’s direction when they return to the polls in 2027.
The SGF cited recent economic figures showing that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.07 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 percent in the first quarter of 2026. While admitting that inflationary pressures and security challenges remain significant concerns, he maintained that available indicators suggest the country is moving toward greater economic stability. According to him, the government does not claim to have solved every problem but believes current reforms are laying the foundation for long-term growth and national recovery.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Akume congratulated citizens on 27 consecutive years of civilian rule, describing it as one of Africa’s most enduring democratic experiences. He said June 12 serves as a reminder of both the sacrifices that secured democratic governance and the obligation of elected leaders to improve living conditions for the population.
The SGF highlighted several government intervention programmes, stating that more than three million vulnerable households have benefited from the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer initiative. He also disclosed that nearly one million Nigerians have accessed financial support through various credit programmes, including loans disbursed by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp), which has reportedly released N37 billion to beneficiaries, many of whom obtained formal credit for the first time.
In the education sector, Akume said over 1.058 million students have received support through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) since the implementation of the Student Loan Act. He added that more than N184 billion has been released to cover tuition payments and student upkeep allowances, while healthcare investments have focused on expanding insurance coverage and strengthening primary healthcare services nationwide.
He further pointed to gains in anti-corruption efforts, noting that recovered assets have been redirected toward public programmes, including over N50 billion allocated to support student financing initiatives. Akume also referenced Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list in October 2025, describing it as evidence of progress in strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks.
On security, the SGF said the government continues to invest in military equipment, intelligence capabilities and regional partnerships to tackle terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent crime. He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities, adding that improved coordination among institutions remains central to the administration’s strategy for safeguarding peace and democratic stability.
