The Federal Government on Tuesday acknowledged that inflation and insecurity remain major challenges facing 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 to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration in Abuja, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the government was aware of the hardship caused by its policies but argued that recent economic indicators suggested improvements in key sectors.
Akume stated, “The government, though with all hands on deck, would never claim that every challenge has been solved. While we pursue various reforms diligently, with purpose and with compassion, the government recognises that inflation has been painful, though it is on a downward trend. Government is similarly conscious of the fact that insecurity still threatens lives and livelihoods.”
The briefing, attended by members of the Federal Executive Council, formed part of activities marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule and served as what the SGF described as an accountability exercise by the administration midway into its first term.
While acknowledging public concerns over the cost of living and security, the SGF insisted that government reforms were beginning to yield results.
“Evidence shows that the country is moving in the right direction,” he said.
Akume cited economic figures which he said reflected improvements in output and investment, noting that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.
