The Federal Government is targeting wider economic opportunities and greater protection for vulnerable Nigerians as it moves to consolidate its reform gains.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja at a World Press Conference to commence activities marking Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary.
Akume noted that Nigeria’s 66-year journey had recorded significant milestones, including uninterrupted constitutional democracy since 1999, while calling for the consolidation of reform gains and better opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.
“We must ensure the gains from reform translates into better opportunities for ordinary Nigerians. The task before us today, as leaders and citizens, is consolidation,” Akume said.
The SGF explained that the Federal Government was mobilising revenue, improving public finances and implementing interventions across infrastructure, agriculture, education, health and social protection, with emphasis on protecting vulnerable Nigerians.
“The guiding principle is that while we reform our economy, we must protect those who are already struggling. No one in poverty should be forgotten,” he said.
Akume further stated that the Administration would continue strengthening security, supporting the private sector and promoting national cohesion to ensure that economic opportunities reach communities across the country.
“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.
Also speaking , the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to consolidating the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and translating emerging economic gains into improved living standards for Nigerians.
According to him, the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey, recognise the resilience of its people and renew commitment to building a more prosperous, secure and united country.
“Independence Day occupies a special place in our national life. It reminds us of the sacrifices that brought us here, the resilience that has sustained us, and the responsibility every generation carries to strengthen the country it inherited,” he said.
The Minister stressed that President Tinubu inherited significant structural and fiscal challenges but chose to confront longstanding distortions despite the difficult adjustments involved.
“Those decisions were difficult, and Nigerians have borne real costs. Today, however, Nigeria is moving from the difficult work of reform and stabilisation towards a new phase of growth, production and shared prosperity,” Idris said.
Idris reported that Nigeria’s real GDP grew by 4.43 per cent in Q2 2026, up from 4.23 per cent in Q2 2025, while foreign reserves, domestic refining capacity, investment and productive activity strengthened.
He also cited Nigeria’s delisting from the FATF Grey List and return to the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index after 11 years.
“Our external position has strengthened, foreign reserves have risen, domestic refining capacity has expanded, and investment and productive activity are gaining momentum,” he said.
Addressing the situation of the country, Idris acknowledged that challenges remained but highlighted increased investment in equipment, intelligence, personnel and inter-agency coordination as part of efforts to strengthen security operations.
“Now, does it mean that we have solved all the security challenges in this country? No, and there is so much progress,” he said.
The Minister also acknowledged progress alongside remaining challenges and more work ahead, with the ultimate responsibility of leaving future generations a stronger country.
“Our responsibility is to hand the next generation a Nigeria that is more prosperous, more secure, more united and more confident than the one we inherited,” he said.
On his part, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, maintained that the reforms were designed to make deliberate policy choices that would build a larger and more inclusive economy.
“We are not yet where we want to be. What is important is to identify what are the choices that we need to make so that we can go to where we want to be,” Bagudu said.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, linked improved agricultural production to increased access to farmlands in previously affected areas, alongside government support for fertiliser and improved seeds.
“We have seen a lot of areas in the centre; 70 per cent of those places that were hitherto under security have been liberated. We have seen an increase in production today,” Kyari said.
PersecondNews correspondent reports that the World Press Conference commenced the Federal Government’s activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The programme continues with the Juma’at Service on Friday, September 25, 2026, followed by the Church Service on Sunday, September 27.
The Independence Day Public Lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on Thursday, October 1, 2026, to mark the anniversary.
In attendance at the news conference were the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel.
Also present were the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Office of the SGF, Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens; Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi; Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira; and other senior government officials.
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