The federal government has lamented the impact of inflation on Nigerians, stressing that President Bola Tinubu shared in the pains of the citizens. The government noted that its efforts were already bearing results as the country was on the path to recovery despite prevailing hardship and security challenges.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, made the comments on Tuesday in Abuja at the National Press Conference organised to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day.
Akume said: “The message from the government today is straightforward. This administration wishes to let us all recognise the fact that Nigeria is a huge, viable project and it is work- in-progress.
“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.”
He pointed out that despite all, prevailing evidence indicated that the country was moving in the right direction and toward a more connected programme of delivery, stating that available statistical evidence signaled that confidence, market activity and productive exchange were responding to reforms.
The SGF said available economic indicators showed that the country’s fortunes were improving under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the Tinubu’s administration remained committed to delivering on its promises as it approached the 2027 general elections.
He vowed that the government would seek, “a revalidation of our mandate” from Nigerians at the elections.
According to him, Nigeria’s economy has recorded steady growth, with real GDP expanding by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.
While acknowledging that inflation and insecurity continue to affect citizens, the SGF maintained that the government’s reforms were beginning to produce tangible 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.”
He described the Democracy Day briefing as part of the administration’s commitment to accountability, saying June 12 was not merely a date but a reminder that democracy carries both memory and mandate.
He congratulated Nigerians for sustaining 27 uninterrupted years of democratic governance, describing the feat as one of the longest democratic experiences on the African continent.
Highlighting some of the administration’s achievements, the SGF said over 3 million vulnerable households had benefited from the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, while nearly one million Nigerians had accessed support under various government credit schemes.
He disclosed that the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp) had disbursed N37 billion in consumer loans, with more than half of the beneficiaries obtaining formal credit for the first time.
On education, Akume said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had supported more than 1.058 million students since the implementation of the Student Loan Act, with over N184 billion released for tuition and upkeep allowances.
He added that the administration had expanded access to healthcare through the National Health Insurance Authority framework and increased funding for primary healthcare facilities across the country.
Akume also touted the government’s anti-corruption drive, noting that proceeds recovered by anti-graft agencies had strengthened public interventions, including the transfer of more than N50 billion in recovered assets to support NELFUND.
According to him, Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 reflected the impact of reforms in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
On security, Akume said the federal government was investing heavily in military capabilities and regional cooperation to combat terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.
He, however, urged citizens to complement government efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious movements to security agencies. “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 stated.
The SGF further urged national unity and religious tolerance, saying diversity should be harnessed as a democratic strength rather than a source of division.
He said: “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. Our task is not completed yet and, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, more dividends will be delivered.”
