FG Unveils Scorecard, Defends Reforms Amid Economic Gains

The Federal Government defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's reform agenda on Tuesday, announcing that Nigeria is emerging from economic fragility. The declaration was made at a high-profile Democracy Day press conference in Abuja to mark Nigeria's 27th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic governance and the third year of the Renewed Hope Administration. Top government officials insisted that available evidence indicates a nation on the path of recovery, growth, and institutional strengthening.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Democracy Day as a moment for national reflection, accountability, and celebration of the sacrifices that secured democratic governance in Nigeria. He paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, the symbol of Nigeria's democratic struggle, while also acknowledging the contributions of pro-democracy activists, including President Tinubu, in the fight that restored civilian rule in 1999.

According to Idris, the 2026 Democracy Day celebration carries special significance as it coincides with the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration. This allows for an assessment of the impact of government policies and reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda. "Twenty-seven years of uninterrupted democratic governance is a milestone worthy of celebration," he said. "It reflects the determination of Nigerians to uphold democratic values, strengthen institutions, and build a more prosperous nation."

The minister then invited the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who represented President Tinubu, to present the administration's scorecard and outlook. In a candid address, Akume acknowledged the economic hardships facing Nigerians but maintained that the government's policies are yielding measurable results. "Government will never claim that every challenge has been solved," he said. "Inflation has been painful, insecurity still threatens lives and livelihoods, and the effects of reform do not land evenly or immediately."

However, evidence shows that Nigeria is moving in the right direction, from fragility toward firmer footing, from stop-gap actions toward systemic reform, and from scattered interventions toward a more connected programme of delivery. He stressed that President Tinubu remains fully aware of the difficulties confronting citizens and is committed to ensuring that the benefits of reforms become more visible. Presenting economic indicators, Akume disclosed that Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remained on a positive trajectory over the last two quarters.

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the economy recorded a growth rate of 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026. These figures demonstrate growing investor confidence, increased market activity, and improving productive exchange across sectors. The SGF also highlighted the administration's fiscal reforms, noting that President Tinubu signed four major tax reform laws in June 2025 aimed at simplifying compliance, enhancing transparency, and boosting domestic revenue generation.

One of the flagship achievements highlighted by the administration was the Student Loan Scheme. Akume disclosed that since the Student Loan Act was signed into law in April 2024, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has supported over 1.058 million students nationwide. More than ₦184 billion has been disbursed for tuition and upkeep allowances. "The public impact analysis shows that over 1.058 million students have already benefited from the scheme," he said.

The government also unveiled figures showing the reach of its social protection programmes. According to Akume, the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, designed to support 15 million households, had reached over three million vulnerable households by August 2025. Nearly one million Nigerians across the country's 774 local government areas had benefited from interventions under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and CreditCorp.

The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp) has also expanded access to formal credit, with over 200,000 Nigerians benefiting and ₦37 billion disbursed in 2025 alone. On healthcare, the SGF said the administration has intensified efforts to improve access to quality medical services through the implementation of various programmes.

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Nigeria's economy showed a growth rate of 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, demonstrating growing investor confidence, increased market activity, and improving productive exchange across sectors.

The government has highlighted its fiscal reforms, noting that President Tinubu signed four major tax reform laws in June 2025 to simplify compliance, enhance transparency, and boost domestic revenue generation.

The Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, designed to support 15 million households, had reached over three million vulnerable households by August 2025.

The Student Loan Scheme has supported over 1.058 million students nationwide since its signing into law in April 2024, with more than ₦184 billion disbursed for tuition and upkeep allowances.

The Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme had reached over three million vulnerable households by August 2025, with nearly one million Nigerians across the country's 774 local government areas benefiting from interventions under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and CreditCorp.

Since the Student Loan Act was signed into law in April 2024, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has supported over 1.058 million students nationwide. The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp) has also expanded access to formal credit, with over 200,000 Nigerians benefiting and ₦37 billion disbursed in 2025 alone.

The administration's fiscal reforms aim to simplify compliance, enhance transparency, and boost domestic revenue generation through four major tax reform laws signed by President Tinubu in June 2025.