The Nigerian government acknowledges continued inflation and insecurity despite economic reforms.

Nigeria – Boubacar Sani

The Nigerian government has acknowledged that inflation and insecurity remain among the most prominent challenges facing citizens, despite a series of economic and financial reforms implemented by President Bola Ahmadu Tinubu’s administration over the past three years.

This acknowledgment came during a press conference held in the capital, Abuja, on the occasion of the celebration of Democracy Day, where the Secretary-General of the Federal Government, George Akume, confirmed that the government is aware of the extent of the suffering faced by citizens as a result of the high cost of living and the ongoing security challenges.

Akumi said that the government does not claim to have solved all the problems, noting that inflation rates are still affecting the lives of citizens, despite showing signs of gradual decline in recent times.

Positive economic indicators support the government's vision.

Despite the continued economic pressures, the government asserted that the Nigerian economy was beginning to show signs of gradual recovery, citing a rise in the GDP growth rate to 4.07% during the last quarter of 2025, and 3.89% during the first period of 2026.

The authorities believe that these figures reflect the impact of the economic reforms launched by the current administration, with the aim of strengthening financial stability, improving the investment environment and supporting sustainable growth.

“Akoumi” added that the government is working to continue implementing economic policies aimed at addressing financial imbalances and stimulating economic activity in various sectors.

Social programs to support citizens and students

The government highlighted a number of social programs it launched in recent years, including student loan programs, conditional cash transfers, and consumer credit programs.

According to the Nigerian official, more than one million students have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with the value of the amounts disbursed exceeding 184 billion naira to cover tuition fees and living expenses.

The government affirmed that these initiatives aim to alleviate the economic burdens on citizens and enhance access to education and basic services.

Combating corruption and financial reform are top priorities

The government also defended the financial reforms and anti-corruption measures it adopted during the past period, stressing that the funds recovered from corruption cases contributed to financing a number of public programs, including education support programs.

Akumi noted that Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list in 2025 was the result of extensive reforms in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems, which the government considered an indication of an improved financial and institutional environment in the country.

Security challenges remain.

Despite talking about economic achievements, the government acknowledged that security challenges still represent a major obstacle to development and stability efforts.

The Secretary-General of the Government affirmed that eliminating insecurity will not be achieved overnight, stressing the importance of citizens' cooperation with security authorities to confront threats affecting the lives and livelihoods of residents.

He added that the government is working to increase the number of recruits in the security services, and to provide more funding and operational capabilities to enhance the effectiveness of security operations throughout the country.

Early political messages ahead of the 2027 elections

Observers believe that Akuei's statements represent an early indication of the government's political strategy in preparation for the next general elections scheduled for 2027.

The Nigerian official stressed that the current administration seeks to complete the reforms that began since it took power in 2023, while working to expand programs that have proven successful in an effort to gain a new popular mandate during the upcoming elections.

These statements came in conjunction with Nigeria’s celebrations of 27 years of continuous democratic rule since the launch of the Fourth Republic in 1999, with the government stressing the importance of preserving democratic gains and continuing economic and institutional reforms.