NIGERIA AT 66: FG URGES CONSOLIDATION OF REFORMS FOR SHARED PROSPERITY
The Federal Government has called for sustained efforts to consolidate the reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration and translate emerging economic stability into stronger growth, expanded opportunities and improved quality of life for Nigerians.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Independence Day Public Lecture marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, organised by the Federal Government at the State House, Abuja, with the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”
Idris said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey, acknowledge the sacrifices and resilience of its people and renew the collective commitment to building a more prosperous, secure and united nation. He said the reforms undertaken over the past three years had addressed longstanding structural weaknesses and were beginning to create stronger foundations for economic growth.
“The reforms of the past three years have not been easy. They have demanded sacrifice and patience from Nigerians. But they have also begun the difficult process of correcting longstanding structural weaknesses and laying stronger foundations for the future,” he said.
The Minister noted that Nigeria’s economy recorded 4.43 per cent growth in the second quarter of 2026, while domestic refining capacity, investment and productive activity were expanding. He said the next phase was to ensure that economic gains translated into tangible benefits for citizens through greater opportunities, employment and improved livelihoods.
“Our goal is clear: to turn reform into stability, stability into growth, and growth into a new era of shared prosperity in which every Nigerian can aspire, work and prosper,” Idris said.
He also highlighted the role of citizens and institutions in sustaining national progress, particularly the media as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle. He urged journalists and media organisations to strengthen fact-based public discourse, verification and national cohesion, stressing that political differences should not undermine the country’s common identity.
“The media, particularly as we approach another electoral cycle, carries a special responsibility to promote informed public discourse anchored on facts, verification and national cohesion,” the Minister said.
The new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel, said the public service had a central role in converting government policies and reforms into measurable outcomes for citizens. He said the ongoing transformation of the civil service was focused on improving efficiency, professionalism, accountability and citizen-centred service delivery through stronger performance management, digitisation, continuous learning and innovation.
“Our responsibility is clear: to ensure that policies are effectively implemented, programmes produce measurable results, and the machinery of government delivers with greater speed, professionalism and purpose,” he said.
Delivering the lecture, the Governing Council Philomath University, Kuje, Dr. Collins A. Aimuan, traced Nigeria’s political and economic journey from independence, highlighting the structural and fiscal pressures inherited by the present administration and examining the major reforms undertaken in response. He identified tax reform, changes in the petroleum sector, power-sector reforms, infrastructure investment and expanded education financing among measures aimed at changing the underlying structure of the Nigerian economy.
“The reforms represented an attempt to change the underlying architecture of Nigeria’s economy,” Aimuan said, noting that the reforms should be sustained and institutionalised beyond individual administrations to provide continuity in national development.
Aimuan also highlighted developments in education financing, infrastructure and local government administration, citing the expansion of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and investments in major road corridors as examples of efforts to widen access to opportunity. He called for stronger legislative and institutional backing for reforms to ensure continuity and long-term impact, while also making a case for changes to the tenure structure of elected executives, including a single-term arrangement.
“It is my suggestion in this lecture that a second tenure is necessary to enable President Bola Tinubu to fully consolidate these reforms for the shared benefits and prosperity of Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking at the occasion, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, said the country had moved through difficult periods since independence but continued to demonstrate resilience and faith in the Nigerian project. He said the Administration’s reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign-exchange reforms and fiscal measures, were intended to restore stability and create conditions for sustainable economic growth.
“This administration took office in 2023 and immediately took bold decisions needed to save the nation from imminent collapse. Such decisions include the removal of the petrol subsidy, unification of the foreign-exchange market, tax and other fiscal reforms,” Akume said.
The SGF said the next phase required converting economic growth into jobs, incomes and opportunities while sustaining investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, social protection and security. He noted that government was also expanding access to CNG, supporting food production and value chains, widening education financing and strengthening interventions for vulnerable Nigerians.
“We know the path will not be easy but our goal is clear: shared prosperity for all Nigerians. We will deepen our reforms, keep investing in education, infrastructure and healthcare, and make sure growth leads to real opportunities for everyone,” he said.
In attendance were the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), Hadiza Bala Usman; the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu; the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; the Honourable Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite; and the Honourable Minister of State for Regional Development, H.E. Uba Maigari Ahmadu. Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima S. Mahmood; and other senior government officials and distinguished dignitaries.
Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
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