The Federal Government will prioritise consolidating its economic reforms, strengthening stability and ensuring that economic growth delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has said.
Akume spoke in Abuja on Thursday at a news conference ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, themed, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”
He said the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s 66-year journey, recognise its challenges and reaffirm the commitment to national unity and development.
“For 66 years, we have been one country, and it is our complete duty, my resolve as leaders, communities, and citizens, to keep Nigeria strong and united,” Akume said.
He said the government’s development priorities were outlined in the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030, which focuses on productivity, economic diversification, human capital development and resilience.
Akume said the administration’s structural reforms, introduced in 2023 to address economic distortions, included the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange windows.
He said the government was now focused on consolidating the gains of the reforms, strengthening public finances, improving non-oil revenue collection and attracting investment.
On infrastructure, Akume said investments in roads, railways, airports, seaports, electricity and digital connectivity were aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, improving the movement of goods and supporting industrial development.
He identified agriculture as another key priority, saying government was supporting farmers with improved seeds, fertilisers, irrigation, storage and processing facilities to increase food production and develop agro-industrial activities.
On education, the SGF said the government was expanding access and improving the quality of schools and learning outcomes. He also recalled the Nigerian Education Loan Fund Act, signed in May 2024, to support access to tertiary education.
He said healthcare services were being strengthened, while social protection programmes, including conditional cash transfers, school feeding and vocational training, were being expanded to support vulnerable Nigerians.
“These programmes target women, youth, people with disabilities, and others who need support, ensuring they are not left behind during tough economic adjustment,” he said.
On security, Akume said the administration remained committed to protecting lives and property, with security agencies intensifying operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
He said efforts were also being made to improve intelligence gathering, modernise equipment, strengthen inter-agency coordination and enhance border security.
Akume said the private sector remained a key partner in national development through investment, innovation and job creation, while government would continue to provide an enabling policy and regulatory environment.
He urged Nigerians to support democratic values, active citizenship and a free press, describing the media as vital to informing citizens and holding leaders accountable.
Also speaking, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, said the reforms had helped restore confidence in the economy and attract private investment.
“Confidence is being restored. Private money is coming into the economy,” Bagudu said.
He said government was implementing interventions targeting youth, women, agriculture, livestock, consumer credit and trade to broaden economic participation and create opportunities.
Bagudu also highlighted the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which he said would map Nigeria’s 8,809 wards and promote development at the grassroots.
He acknowledged that the country had not yet reached its desired destination but said the administration remained focused on ensuring that the benefits of its reforms reached Nigerians at the grassroots.
