KEY POINTS

• SGF Backs Tinubu Administration’s Economic Policies
• Claims Economy Is Showing Signs of Recovery
• Highlights Social Intervention Programmes

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has defended the economic and social reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that the policies are beginning to show positive results despite ongoing hardship.

Akume made the remarks on Tuesday during a national press briefing in Abuja to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, where he reviewed the performance of the administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Akume said available economic indicators suggest that Nigeria’s economy is on a recovery path, citing growth figures of 4.07 percent in the last quarter of 2025 and 3.89 percent in the first quarter of 2026.

He acknowledged that inflation and insecurity remain major national challenges but maintained that inflation is gradually easing while reforms are beginning to stabilise key sectors.

According to him, despite difficulties, “the country is moving in the right direction.

Highlights Social Intervention Programmes

The SGF outlined several government intervention programmes, saying more than three million vulnerable households have benefited from the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He added that nearly one million Nigerians have accessed government-backed credit facilities, while the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation has disbursed about N37 billion in loans, with many beneficiaries accessing formal credit for the first time.

On education, Akume said over 1.05 million students have received support through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with more than N184 billion released for tuition and upkeep allowances.

He also noted increased investment in healthcare and stronger anti-corruption recoveries that have helped fund social programmes.

Akume said the administration remains focused on delivering its promises and will seek what he described as a “revalidation of its mandate” in the 2027 general elections.

He stressed that national unity, religious tolerance, and civic responsibility are essential for progress, urging Nigerians to support government efforts in tackling insecurity and maintaining stability.

He also said ongoing reforms in security, financial regulation, and governance would continue under the Tinubu administration, which he claimed is committed to improving the welfare of citizens.