By Beryl Odele
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms must ultimately translate into jobs, infrastructure, stronger businesses and improved living standards for Nigerians.
Akume stated this on Thursday in Abuja at a world press conference to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The SGF, who is Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Independence Anniversary celebrations, said the government was focused on moving beyond economic reforms and stability to deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
He said the anniversary theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity,” captured the need to consolidate the gains of reforms and ensure that economic growth reaches Nigerians across the country.
According to him, Nigeria has recorded significant progress since independence, including 27 years of uninterrupted constitutional democracy, while successive generations have contributed to the development of the country.
Akume, however, acknowledged that Nigerians were still facing challenges, including poverty, insecurity and infrastructure deficits.
He said the government was addressing the challenges through investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, social protection and security.
“Let us renew our commitment to the Nigerian project by strengthening the institutions that serve the people, by building the infrastructure that supports business and farming, and by creating an economy where every Nigerian has a fair chance to prosper,” he said.
The SGF stressed that the next phase of the government’s efforts must focus on converting stability into growth and growth into shared prosperity.
“From reforms, we have built stability. From stability, let us deepen growth and opportunity. And from growth, let us extend shared prosperity to every corner of Nigeria,” Akume said.
He also urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to remain committed to national unity, noting that the country’s ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity should be harnessed as a strength.
Akume wished Nigerians a peaceful and purposeful 66th Independence Anniversary, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening institutions and improving the welfare of citizens.
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris noted that Nigeria is moving from the difficult phase of economic reforms and stabilisation into a new phase of growth, production and shared prosperity.
The Minister said the reforms undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration had addressed longstanding structural and fiscal challenges, despite the difficulties associated with the measures.
According to him, Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown by 4.43 per cent, while its export position and foreign reserves had strengthened.
“Domestic refining capacity has also expanded, with investment and productive activities showing renewed momentum. Nigeria’s foreign reserves had crossed the $55 billion mark”, describing the development as one of the significant indicators of progress recorded under the administration.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s return to the international financial market, saying the country had been delisted from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and returned to the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Index after 11 years.
Nigeria marks her independence annually on 1st October.
