Nigeria is on the path to progress, according to the Federal Government

The Federal Government has mounted a robust defence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's reform agenda, declaring that Nigeria is steadily emerging from economic fragility and laying the foundation for long-term prosperity despite the pains associated with ongoing reforms.

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At a high-profile Democracy Day press conference in Abuja, top government officials insisted that available evidence points to a nation on the path of recovery, growth and institutional strengthening, as the country marks its 27th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic governance and the third year of the Renewed Hope Administration.

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Democracy Day as a historic moment for national reflection, accountability and celebration of the sacrifices that secured democratic governance in Nigeria, paying tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola.

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Idris also acknowledged the contributions of pro-democracy activists, including President Tinubu, in the fight that restored civilian rule in 1999, noting that the 2026 Democracy Day celebration carries special significance because it coincides with the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.

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According to Idris, 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance is a milestone worthy of celebration, reflecting the determination of Nigerians to uphold democratic values, strengthen institutions and build a more prosperous nation.

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The Minister thereafter invited the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who represented President Tinubu, to present the administration’s scorecard and outlook, in a candid address acknowledging the economic hardships facing Nigerians.

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Akume maintained that the government’s policies are yielding measurable results, stating that inflation has been painful, insecurity still threatens lives and livelihoods, and the effects of reform do not land evenly or immediately, but evidence shows that Nigeria is moving in the right direction.

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He stressed that President Tinubu remains fully aware of the difficulties confronting citizens and is committed to ensuring that the benefits of reforms become more visible, presenting economic indicators that show Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remained on a positive trajectory over the last two quarters.

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According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the economy recorded a growth rate of 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, demonstrating growing investor confidence, increased market activity and improving productive exchange across sectors.

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The SGF also highlighted the administration’s fiscal reforms, noting that President Tinubu signed four major tax reform laws in June 2025 aimed at simplifying compliance, enhancing transparency and boosting domestic revenue generation.

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One of the flagship achievements highlighted by the administration was the Student Loan Scheme, with Akume disclosing that since the Student Loan Act was signed into law in April 2024, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has supported over 1.058 million students nationwide.

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More than ₦184 billion has been disbursed for tuition and upkeep allowances, describing the initiative as one of the most impactful interventions in the education sector, with the public impact analysis showing that over 1.058 million students have already benefited from the scheme.

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The government also unveiled figures showing the reach of its social protection programmes, with the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, designed to support 15 million households, having reached over three million vulnerable households by August 2025.

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Nearly one million Nigerians across the country’s 774 local government areas had benefited from interventions under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and CreditCorp, with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp) expanding access to formal credit, and over 200,000 Nigerians benefiting and ₦37 billion disbursed in 2025 alone.

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On healthcare, the SGF said the administration has intensified efforts to improve access to quality medical services through the implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, providing resources to support more than 8,000 primary healthcare centres.

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Plans are underway to expand coverage to 13,000 facilities nationwide, with the President directing mandatory health insurance implementation across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to deepen health coverage.

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Akume also highlighted anti-corruption gains recorded by the administration, noting that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have continued to recover stolen assets and prosecute offenders.

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The EFCC contributed over N50 billion in recovered funds to support the student loan programme, with the country officially removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List in October 2025 following improvements in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks.

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Akume declared that accountability in this administration is sacrosanct, and on security, the government remains committed to defeating terrorism, banditry and other criminal threats, with significant progress being made through increased investment in security agencies, enhanced regional cooperation and improved operational capacity of the armed forces.

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He commended members of the military and security agencies for their sacrifices and urged Nigerians to play a more active role by reporting suspicious activities to authorities, stating that security must become our collective national project.

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The SGF further stressed the importance of national cohesion, religious tolerance and shared values in sustaining democracy, disclosing that the Federal Executive Council had approved the National Values Charter to promote discipline, citizenship, reciprocity, service and tolerance across society.

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He also reaffirmed government support for the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) as a platform for strengthening Christian-Muslim relations and national stability, looking ahead to the administration’s intention to seek a renewal of its mandate in the 2027 general elections.

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Akume insisted that the government remains focused on completing reforms initiated since 2023, stating that our responsibility is to finish what we commenced in 2023, and as we approach the 2027 election cycle, we shall scale what is working.

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He described June 12 as more than a symbolic date, saying it represents both the memory of democratic sacrifice and the obligation of elected leaders to remain accountable to the people, adding that this government is prepared to be judged by evidence.

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The event formed part of activities marking Democracy Day, which commemorates the June 12, 1993 presidential election and celebrates Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999.