As Nigeria marked its 2026 Democracy Day, the Federal Government staunchly defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic and social reforms, asserting that the nation is firmly on a path to recovery despite persistent hardships and security concerns.
Both the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George
Akume, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, addressed World Press in Abuja, highlighting the administration’s commitment to progress and accountability.
Senator Akume, speaking on Tuesday, emphasized that available economic indicators underscore Nigeria’s improving fortunes under the
Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted the steady growth of Nigeria’s economy, with the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanding by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.
While acknowledging the pain of inflation and ongoing insecurity, he maintained that these challenges are on a downward trend and that the govt’s reforms are yielding tangible results.
“Government will never claim that every challenge has been solved,” Sen. Akume stated. “Inflation has been painful, though it is on a downward trend, he added.
“Insecurity still threatens lives and livelihoods, but evidence shows that the country is moving in the right direction”.
The SGF underscored the administration’s commitment to accountability, viewing June 12 as a symbol of both the sacrifices that birthed democratic rule and the responsibility of elected leaders to improve citizens’ welfare.
The Minister, Mohammed Idris, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing President Tinubu’s dedication to building stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria.
Idris highlighted the significance of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, coinciding with the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Administration,
as an opportunity to assess national progress and reaffirm collective commitment to development.
The Minister paid tribute to democratic heroes, including the late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, and acknowledged President Tinubu’s pivotal role in consolidating
democratic governance.
He lauded Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule as a
remarkable national achievement, a testament to the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people.
The SGF outlined several key achievements of the administration, said over three million vulnerable households have benefited from the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, and nearly one million Nigerians have accessed support through various govt credit schemes.
The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp) has disbursed N37 billion in consumer loans, with more than half of beneficiaries obtaining formal credit for the first time.
In education, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has supported over 1.058 million students, releasing more than N184 billion for tuition and
upkeep.
Furthermore, the administration has expanded healthcare access via the National Health Insurance Authority framework and increased funding for primary healthcare facilities.
The anti-corruption drive has seen over N50 bn in recovered assets transferred to support NELFUND, and Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 signifies the impact of reforms in anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing.
On security, Akume affirmed the Federal Government’s heavy investment in military capabilities and regional cooperation to combat terrorism and banditry, urging citizens to remain vigilant.
“We can say clearly that institutional responses are being sharpened,
coordination is improving, and reforms are continuing because peace and civic order are foundations of democratic progress,” he stated.
Both officials called for national unity and religious tolerance, emphasizing that diversity should be democratic strength.
As the nation approaches the 2027 general elections, Senator Akume reiterated the govt’s intent to seek “a revalidation of our mandate” from Nigerians, promising more dividends under President Tinubu’s leadership.
Among those in attendance were the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari.
Also, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala; Permanent Secretaries, Head of Agencies, and other dignitaries.