Inflation and insecurity challenges remain major concerns, FG says, while defending Tinubu administration reforms ahead of Democracy Day

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, on Tuesday acknowledged that inflation and insecurity remain major challenges confronting Nigerians, even as he defended the economic and fiscal reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu over the past three years.

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Speaking at a press conference in Abuja to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Akume said the administration recognised the hardship experienced by many citizens but maintained that recent economic indicators showed encouraging signs of progress.

“The government, though with all hands on deck, would never claim that every challenge has been solved,” Akume said.

“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 activities commemorating 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria and served as an accountability exercise midway through the administration’s first term.

Despite concerns over the rising cost of living and persistent security threats, Akume insisted that government policies were beginning to deliver measurable outcomes.

“Evidence shows that the country is moving in the right direction,” he said.

The SGF cited economic data indicating that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, describing the figures as evidence of improving economic performance.

Akume also highlighted several social intervention programmes introduced under the administration, including student loans, conditional cash transfers and consumer credit initiatives.

According to him, more than one million students have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with over N184 billion disbursed for tuition and upkeep.

He added that millions of households had been reached through the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer programme, while government-backed credit schemes had expanded access to formal financing.

The administration further defended fiscal reforms introduced since 2023, including tax legislation signed into law in 2025, arguing that the measures were designed to improve revenue generation and strengthen transparency in public finance.

On anti-corruption efforts, Akume said anti-graft agencies had continued to recover proceeds of crime and prosecute offenders, noting that recovered funds had helped finance the student loan programme.

He also linked Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list in October 2025 to reforms in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks.

“Accountability in this administration is sacrosanct,” the SGF stated.

Security featured prominently in Akume’s remarks, with the government conceding that the challenge remains unresolved despite ongoing efforts.

“We continue to confront internal security challenges. Government will not pretend that insecurity will disappear today without the active support of all Nigerians,” he said.

Akume disclosed that the administration was expanding the capacity of the armed forces and other security agencies through increased recruitment, improved funding and enhanced cooperation with neighbouring countries and international partners.

He urged citizens to support security agencies through intelligence sharing and vigilance, describing security as a collective responsibility.

The SGF also called for national unity amid ethnic and religious divisions, stressing that sustainable development depends on social cohesion and mutual trust.

“In a country as diverse and plural as ours, development is strongest when trust is stronger than division,” he said.

Akume 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 responsible citizenship, tolerance and national cohesion.

In remarks that appeared to signal the administration’s political strategy ahead of the next general election, Akume said the government intends to build on ongoing reforms and seek renewed public support in 2027.

“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.

The SGF added that the administration remained open to public scrutiny and assessment.

“This government remains prepared to be judged by evidence,” Akume stated.

Earlier, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Democracy Day as an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and honour those who contributed to the country’s return to civilian rule.

Idris paid tribute to Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other pro-democracy figures, including President Tinubu, for their roles in the struggle for democratic governance.

He described Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 as a significant milestone and evidence of the country’s resilience and commitment to democratic values.

The event was attended by several cabinet members, including Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, and Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev.

Also read: Nigeria Manufacturing Slowdown Sparks Inflation Worry

While defending its record, the administration acknowledged that inflation and insecurity challenges remain among the most pressing issues facing Nigerians, even as it expressed confidence that ongoing reforms will deliver stronger outcomes in the years ahead.