The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands and shares in the pains caused by insecurity and the country’s economic challenges, while insisting that the ongoing reforms are beginning to yield positive results.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, stated this on Tuesday at a world press conference as part of programmes marking the 2026 Democracy Day in Abuja, saying that the difficulties currently being experienced by citizens were part of the transition towards a more prosperous future.
Akume, who addressed journalists alongside members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), noted that although the government acknowledges the hardship caused by inflation and security concerns, President Tinubu remains committed to delivering the dividends of democracy through the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
‘You have remained patriotic and loyal even in the face of challenges that are preparatory for a new dawn,’ the SGF said, congratulating Nigerians for sustaining 27 uninterrupted years of democratic governance.
Akume described the Democracy Day briefing as part of the administration’s commitment to accountability, saying June 12 symbolises both the sacrifices that birthed democratic rule and the responsibility of elected leaders to improve citizens’ welfare.
According to him, the administration is pursuing reforms with purpose and compassion, while remaining conscious of the impact of rising living costs and insecurity on citizens.
‘The President shares in and feels your pains and his efforts are already bearing results,’ Akume stated.
He maintained that available economic indicators suggest that the country is making steady progress, moving ‘from fragility toward firmer footing, from stop-gap actions toward system reform, and from scattered interventions toward a more connected programme of delivery.’
The SGF highlighted improvements in economic performance, citing figures from the National Bureau of Statistics which showed that Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.
Defending the administration’s fiscal reforms, including the tax laws signed in 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Akume said the measures were designed to simplify tax compliance, improve fairness and strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation.
He also outlined government interventions aimed at cushioning the effects of reforms, including the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp).
On education, Akume disclosed that more than one million students had benefited from the student loan scheme implemented through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with over ?184 billion disbursed for tuition and upkeep.
The SGF further highlighted achievements in the health sector, noting that the government had expanded support for primary healthcare facilities nationwide through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, while implementation of mandatory health insurance across Ministries, Departments and Agencies was ongoing.
Addressing security concerns, Akume reaffirmed the government’s determination to tackle terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality across the country.
‘The safety and security of citizens is our top priority and the government shall never compromise on this,’ he said.
While admitting that insecurity remains a challenge, the SGF stressed that security agencies were recording successes through enhanced operational capacity, improved coordination and stronger regional cooperation.
He called on Nigerians to support ongoing efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
‘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 added.
Akume also emphasised the importance of national unity, religious tolerance and shared values in strengthening democracy, noting that the government continues to support the activities of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council as a platform for peace and dialogue.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the SGF said the administration would focus on consolidating gains made since 2023 and scaling up policies that have delivered measurable results.
He reiterated that the government remains accountable to Nigerians and is prepared to be judged based on evidence of its performance.
‘The commemoration of June 12 is an activity for accountability and interrogation of our performance. This government remains prepared to be judged by evidence,’ Akume said.