The Federal Government has acknowledged that inflation and insecurity continue to weigh heavily on Nigerians, even as it maintains that recent economic reforms are beginning to deliver measurable results.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the administration remains aware of the hardships citizens face but believes key economic indicators point to gradual improvement.
According to Akume, the government does not claim to have solved all of the country’s problems despite ongoing efforts to address them.
“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.”
The briefing, attended by members of the Federal Executive Council, formed part of the activities commemorating 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria. Akume described the event as an opportunity for the administration to account for its performance midway through its first term.
While recognising public concerns over rising living costs and security threats, he argued that available data suggests the country is making progress.
“Evidence shows that the country is moving in the right direction,” he said.
To support the government’s position, Akume pointed to economic performance figures showing that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product expanded by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.
The administration also highlighted several social intervention programmes launched since 2023, including cash transfer initiatives, student loan support, and consumer credit schemes.
Akume disclosed that more than one million students have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with over N184 billion disbursed to cover tuition and upkeep expenses.
He further stated that millions of households had received support through the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, while government-backed financing initiatives had broadened access to formal credit facilities.
Defending fiscal reforms introduced during the administration, including tax legislation signed into law in 2025, the SGF said the measures were designed to improve government revenue and strengthen accountability in public finance management.
On anti-corruption efforts, he noted that law enforcement agencies continue to recover proceeds of crime and prosecute offenders, adding that recovered assets have helped fund the student loan programme.
Akume also linked Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list in October 2025 to reforms targeting money laundering and terrorism financing.
“Accountability in this administration is sacrosanct,” he said.
Despite highlighting areas of progress, Akume admitted that security remains one of the country’s most pressing concerns.
“We continue to confront internal security challenges. Government will not pretend that insecurity will disappear today without the active support of all Nigerians,” the SGF stated.
He explained that efforts to strengthen security include expanded recruitment into the armed forces and security agencies, increased funding, and enhanced collaboration with neighbouring countries and international partners.
The SGF also called on citizens to support security operations through intelligence sharing and vigilance, describing public participation as critical to improving national safety.
Beyond economic and security issues, Akume urged Nigerians to embrace unity amid ethnic and religious differences.
“In a country as diverse and plural as ours, development is strongest when trust is stronger than division,” he said.
He noted that the government continues to support interfaith engagement through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council and recently approved a National Values Charter aimed at promoting citizenship, tolerance, and national cohesion.
Looking ahead to the next electoral cycle, Akume indicated that the administration intends to deepen ongoing reforms while seeking public support in the 2027 general elections.
“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.
He added that the administration was prepared to have its performance evaluated by Nigerians.
“This government remains prepared to be judged by evidence,” Akume stated.
In his remarks, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Democracy Day as an important occasion for reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the sacrifices made by individuals who contributed to the country’s return to civilian rule.
“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.
“As we gather today, we pay tribute to the memory and enduring legacy of Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, whose commitment to democratic ideals remains an inspiration to generations of Nigerians.
“We also acknowledge the many Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who played significant roles in the pro-democracy movement and contributed to the restoration of democratic rule in our country.”
Idris described Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance as a significant achievement and evidence of the country’s commitment to democratic principles and institutional development.
“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 that this year’s Democracy Day coincides with the administration’s third anniversary, creating an opportunity to assess achievements and renew focus on national development goals.
Other government officials present at the briefing included the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev.
Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted civilian governance since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999. While the country has sustained democratic continuity, challenges relating to governance, economic stability, inflation, and security have remained recurring issues.
Inflationary pressures have been driven by factors including currency depreciation, fuel subsidy reforms, global supply disruptions, and broader structural challenges within the economy. Meanwhile, insurgency in the North-East, banditry in parts of the North-West, and communal conflicts across several regions continue to pose security concerns.
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