The Federal Government has acknowledged that inflation and insecurity remain major challenges confronting Nigerians, even as it defended the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the past three years.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, stated that the government is fully aware of the hardships caused by its policies.
However, he argued that recent economic indicators suggest notable improvements across key sectors.
Addressing public concerns over the soaring cost of living, the SGF insisted that the administration’s tough economic reforms are finally beginning to yield positive results.
Akume also touched on the persistent security challenges plaguing parts of the country, assuring citizens that the government is actively moving to stabilize the situation and improve national security.
To cushion the impact of these policies, the government highlighted the reach of its various social intervention programmes introduced since 2023.
These initiatives include direct cash transfers, consumer credit schemes, and the national student loan program, all aimed at providing financial relief to vulnerable Nigerians.
In a specific breakdown of these interventions, Akume revealed that more than one million students have so far benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
He disclosed that over N184 billion has been disbursed through the fund to cover tuition and student upkeep across the country.
The high-level briefing, which was well-attended by members of the Federal Executive Council, formed part of the official activities marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria.
According to the SGF, the event served as a vital accountability exercise for the administration as it hits another significant point of its first four-year term.
