Despite Hardship, Nigeria Moving In Right Direction — SGF Akume

The federal government has defended the economic and social reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that Nigeria is on a recovery path despite prevailing hardship and security challenges.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume (CON), stated this on Tuesday at a national press conference in Abuja to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, Akume said key economic indicators showed that the country’s fortunes were improving under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the administration remained committed to delivering on its promises as it moves toward the 2027 general elections, adding that it would seek “a revalidation of our mandate” from Nigerians.

According to him, Nigeria recorded improved economic performance, with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.

While acknowledging persistent inflation and insecurity, the SGF maintained that ongoing reforms were beginning to yield results.

“Government will never claim that every challenge has been solved,” he said. “Inflation has been painful, though it is on a downward trend. Insecurity still threatens lives and livelihoods, but evidence shows that the country is moving in the right direction.”

Akume said the Democracy Day briefing was part of the administration’s commitment to accountability, noting that June 12 represents both democratic sacrifice and leadership responsibility.

He congratulated Nigerians for sustaining 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, describing it as one of Africa’s longest democratic experiences.

On social interventions, the SGF said over three million vulnerable households had benefited from the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, while nearly one million Nigerians accessed government-backed credit schemes.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp) had disbursed N37 billion in consumer loans, with more than half of beneficiaries accessing formal credit for the first time.

On education, Akume said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had supported over 1.058 million students, with more than N184 billion disbursed for tuition and upkeep allowances.

He added that healthcare access had been expanded through reforms under the National Health Insurance Authority, alongside increased investment in primary healthcare facilities nationwide.

The SGF also highlighted anti-corruption efforts, noting that recovered proceeds had supported national programmes, including the transfer of more than N50 billion in recovered assets to NELFUND.

According to him, Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 reflected progress in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing reforms.

On security, Akume said the government was strengthening military capabilities and regional cooperation to tackle terrorism, banditry and other threats.

He urged Nigerians to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities.

“As we go into the cycle for the 2027 general elections, our responsibility is to finish what we commenced in 2023 and scale what is working,” he said.

The SGF said the press briefing was part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, with ministers expected to present sectoral performance reports.