The Federal Government has defended the economic and governance reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that Nigeria is gradually overcoming economic vulnerabilities and laying a foundation for long-term growth despite the hardships currently being experienced by citizens.

The position was presented during a Democracy Day press conference in Abuja held to mark Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule and the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Democracy Day as an opportunity for reflection, accountability and appreciation of those who fought for the restoration of democratic governance in Nigeria.

He paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola and other pro-democracy activists, including President Tinubu, for their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

According to Idris, this year’s celebration is particularly significant because it coincides with the third anniversary of the current administration.

“Twenty-seven years of uninterrupted democratic governance is a milestone worthy of celebration. It reflects the determination of Nigerians to uphold democratic values, strengthen institutions and build a more prosperous nation,” he said.

Representing President Tinubu at the briefing, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, acknowledged the economic difficulties facing many Nigerians but maintained that government reforms are beginning to yield results.

“Government will never claim that every challenge has been solved. Inflation has been painful, insecurity still threatens lives and livelihoods, and the effects of reform do not land evenly or immediately.

“However, evidence shows that Nigeria is moving in the right direction, from fragility toward firmer footing, from stop-gap actions toward systemic reform, and from scattered interventions toward a more connected programme of delivery,” Akume said.

Akume cited data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), showing that Nigeria’s 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.

He said the figures indicate growing investor confidence, increased market activity and improved productivity across key sectors of the economy.

The SGF also highlighted major fiscal reforms undertaken by the administration, including the signing of four tax reform laws in June 2025 aimed at improving revenue generation, transparency and ease of compliance.

According to Akume, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has supported more than 1.058 million students since the Student Loan Act was signed into law in April 2024.

He disclosed that over N184 billion has been disbursed for tuition fees and upkeep allowances.

“The public impact analysis shows that over 1.058 million students have already benefited from the scheme,” he said.

The government also reported progress in its social protection programmes.

Akume stated that the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme had reached more than three million vulnerable households by August 2025, while nearly one million Nigerians benefited from interventions under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and CreditCorp.

He added that the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp) disbursed N37 billion in 2025, benefiting over 200,000 Nigerians.

On healthcare, Akume said resources have been deployed to support more than 8,000 primary healthcare centres, with plans to expand coverage to 13,000 facilities nationwide.

He also revealed that mandatory health insurance implementation is being extended across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The SGF noted that anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), have continued to recover public funds and prosecute offenders.

According to him, the EFCC contributed over N50 billion in recovered assets to support the student loan scheme.

He further announced that Nigeria was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 following improvements in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures.

“Accountability in this administration is sacrosanct,” he said.

Addressing security concerns, Akume acknowledged that insecurity remains a challenge but said progress is being made through increased investment in security agencies, regional cooperation and improved operational capabilities.

“The good news is that we are succeeding,” he said.

He commended security personnel for their sacrifices and urged Nigerians to support efforts by reporting suspicious activities.

“Security must become our collective national project,” he added.

The SGF also stressed the importance of national unity, religious tolerance and shared values, revealing that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the National Values Charter to promote citizenship, discipline, tolerance and service.

Akume said the administration remains committed to completing its reform agenda and delivering more democratic dividends before the next general election.

“Our responsibility is to finish what we commenced in 2023. As we approach the 2027 election cycle, we shall scale what is working. Our task is not completed yet, and under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, more dividends of democracy will be delivered,” he said.

He described June 12 as both a reminder of Nigeria’s democratic sacrifices and a call for continued accountability from elected leaders.

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