By Joel Gwom,
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to consolidating the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and translating emerging economic gains into improved living standards for Nigerians.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the World Press Conference to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, hosted by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume.
Idris said the anniversary provides 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 noted 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.
He disclosed 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 have 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.
In his remarks, the SGF, Senator George Akume, said Nigeria’s 66-year journey had recorded significant milestones, including uninterrupted constitutional democracy since 1999, and called for consolidation of reform gains.
“The task before us today, as leaders and citizens, is consolidation. We must ensure that the gains from reform translate into better opportunities for ordinary Nigerians,” Akume said.
He said government is mobilising revenue, improving public finances and implementing interventions across infrastructure, agriculture, education, health and social protection, while 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.
Responding to journalists, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the reforms were designed to make deliberate policy choices that would build a larger and more inclusive economy.
On security, Idris acknowledged that challenges remain but said government has strengthened operations through increased investment in equipment, intelligence, personnel and inter-agency coordination.
Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said improved access to farmlands in previously affected areas, alongside government support for fertiliser and improved seeds, was boosting agricultural production.
