By Beryl Odele
The Federal Government has declared that Nigeria is steadily moving in the right direction, citing improvements in economic performance, social protection programmes, healthcare, education, anti-corruption efforts and national security as evidence of progress under the present administration.
Speaking on behalf of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu at a world press conference to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day celebration in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, said the country was transitioning “from fragility toward firmer footing” through sustained reforms and targeted interventions.
The SGF, who was joined by members of the Federal Executive Council, said the event formed part of activities dedicated to celebrating democracy and promoting government accountability.
“Evidence shows that the country is moving in the right direction, from fragility toward firmer footing, from stop-gap actions toward system reform, and from scattered interventions toward a more connected programme of delivery,” he said.
Akume noted that while government acknowledged the challenges facing Nigerians, including inflation and insecurity, available economic indicators showed growing confidence in the economy.
According to him, Nigeria recorded positive GDP growth over the last two quarters, with the economy expanding by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.
He also highlighted the administration’s fiscal reforms, including four major tax reform laws signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2025, aimed at simplifying tax compliance, improving fairness and boosting domestic revenue generation.
On social welfare, the SGF said over three million vulnerable households had benefited from the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, while nearly one million Nigerians across the 774 local government areas had accessed support through the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and CreditCorp initiatives.
In the education sector, he disclosed that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had surpassed one million beneficiaries, with more than ₦184 billion disbursed as student loans and upkeep support.
Akume further stated that healthcare remained a priority of the administration, noting that resources had been provided to support more than 8,000 primary healthcare centres nationwide, with plans to expand coverage to 13,000 facilities.
The SGF also pointed to gains in the fight against corruption, revealing that recovered funds by anti-graft agencies had contributed over ₦50 billion to NELFUND.
He added that Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List in October 2025 reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures.
On security, Akume assured Nigerians that government remained committed to protecting lives and property, stressing that security agencies were receiving enhanced support and resources to tackle terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.
“We continue to confront internal security challenges and the good news is that we are succeeding,” he said, while calling on citizens to support security efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities.
The SGF also emphasized the importance of national unity and social cohesion, highlighting the role of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council in fostering peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
He said the approval of the National Values Charter by the Federal Executive Council was aimed at promoting discipline, tolerance, citizenship and service as foundational principles for national development.
As the country marks 27 uninterrupted years of democratic governance, Akume congratulated Nigerians for their resilience and patriotism, assuring them that the Tinubu administration remained committed to delivering on its Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the government was prepared to be judged by evidence and performance as it continued implementing reforms and preparing for the next electoral cycle in 2027.
“Democracy thrives when there is cohesion, accountability and public trust. Our responsibility is to finish what we commenced in 2023 and scale what is working for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Minister of information and national orientation, Mohamed Idris stated that Democracy Day occupies a unique place in our national calendar.
“It provides an opportunity for us to reflect on our democratic journey, celebrate the resilience of our institutions, and honour the sacrifices of patriots who stood firm in the struggle for democratic governance”, he added.
The Minister paid tribute to the late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, whose commitment to democratic ideals, according to him remains an inspiration to generations of Nigerians.
Abuja Times reports that Democracy is celebrated on 12th June and this year’s edition will be the 27th.