Nigeria At 66: FG Urges Consolidation of Reforms For Shared Prosperity

The Federal Government has called for sustained efforts to consolidate the economic reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and translate emerging economic stability into stronger growth, expanded opportunities and improved living standards for Nigerians.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the Independence Day Public Lecture organised by the Federal Government to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The lecture, held at the State House, Abuja, had the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”

Idris said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since independence, acknowledge the sacrifices and resilience of Nigerians and renew the collective commitment to building a more prosperous, secure and united nation.

He said the reforms undertaken by the administration over the past three years had addressed longstanding structural weaknesses and were beginning to lay stronger foundations for sustainable economic growth.

“The reforms of the past three years have not been easy. They have demanded sacrifice and patience from Nigerians. But they have also begun the difficult process of correcting longstanding structural weaknesses and laying stronger foundations for the future,” he said.

The minister noted that Nigeria’s economy recorded 4.43 per cent growth in the second quarter of 2026, while domestic refining capacity, investment and productive activities were expanding.

He, however, stressed that the next phase was to ensure that economic gains translated into tangible benefits for citizens through increased opportunities, employment and improved livelihoods.

“Our goal is clear: to turn reform into stability, stability into growth, and growth into a new era of shared prosperity in which every Nigerian can aspire, work and prosper,” Idris said.

The minister also highlighted the role of citizens and institutions in sustaining national progress, particularly the media as the country approaches another electoral cycle.

He urged journalists and media organisations to strengthen fact-based public discourse, verification and national cohesion, stressing that political differences should not undermine the country’s common identity.

“The media, particularly as we approach another electoral cycle, carries a special responsibility to promote informed public discourse anchored on facts, verification and national cohesion,” he said.

The new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel, said the public service had a central role to play in translating government policies and reforms into measurable outcomes for citizens.

He said the ongoing transformation of the civil service was focused on improving efficiency, professionalism, accountability and citizen-centred service delivery through stronger performance management, digitisation, continuous learning and innovation.

“Our responsibility is clear: to ensure that policies are effectively implemented, programmes produce measurable results, and the machinery of government delivers with greater speed, professionalism and purpose,” Abel said.

Delivering the lecture, Governing Council Philomath University, Kuje, Dr Collins A. Aimuan, traced Nigeria’s political and economic journey since independence, highlighting the structural and fiscal pressures inherited by the present administration and the reforms introduced in response.

He identified tax reform, changes in the petroleum sector, power-sector reforms, infrastructure investment and expanded education financing among measures aimed at changing the underlying structure of the Nigerian economy.

“The reforms represented an attempt to change the underlying architecture of Nigeria’s economy,” Aimuan said.

He called for the sustainability and institutionalisation of the reforms beyond individual administrations to ensure continuity and long-term national development.

Aimuan also highlighted developments in education financing, infrastructure and local government administration, citing the expansion of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and investments in major road corridors as examples of efforts to widen access to opportunities.

He called for stronger legislative and institutional backing for the reforms to ensure continuity and long-term impact.

Aimuan also proposed changes to the tenure structure of elected executives, including a single-term arrangement.

“It is my suggestion in this lecture that a second tenure is necessary to enable President Bola Tinubu to fully consolidate these reforms for the shared benefits and prosperity of Nigeria,” he said.

Also, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said Nigeria had passed through difficult periods since independence but continued to demonstrate resilience and faith in the Nigerian project.

Akume said the administration’s reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange reforms and fiscal measures, were aimed at restoring stability and creating conditions for sustainable economic growth.

“This administration took office in 2023 and immediately took bold decisions needed to save the nation from imminent collapse. Such decisions include the removal of the petrol subsidy, unification of the foreign-exchange market, tax and other fiscal reforms,” he said.

According to him, the next phase requires translating economic growth into jobs, incomes and opportunities while sustaining investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, social protection and security.

He added that the government was expanding access to compressed natural gas (CNG), supporting food production and value chains, widening education financing and strengthening interventions for vulnerable Nigerians.

“We know the path will not be easy but our goal is clear: shared prosperity for all Nigerians. We will deepen our reforms, keep investing in education, infrastructure and healthcare, and make sure growth leads to real opportunities for everyone,” Akume said.