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The Federal Government has called for sustained efforts to consolidate the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and translate the emerging economic stability into stronger growth, greater opportunities and a better quality of life for Nigerians.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during the Independence Day public lecture to mark the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, organized by the Federal Government at the State House, Abuja, with the theme “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity”.
A statement by Media Assistant to the Minister, Rabiu Ibrahim, noted that Idris said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey, recognize the sacrifices and resilience of its people and renew collective commitment to building a more prosperous, secure and united nation. He said reforms undertaken over the past three years have addressed long-standing structural weaknesses and are starting to create a stronger foundation for economic growth.
“The reforms of the last three years have not been easy. They have required sacrifice and patience from Nigerians. But they have also begun the difficult process of correcting long-standing structural weaknesses and laying a stronger foundation for the future,” he said.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s economy recorded growth of 4.43% in the second quarter of 2026, while domestic refining capacity, investment and manufacturing activity were expanding. He said the next phase will be to ensure that economic gains translate into tangible benefits for citizens through increased opportunities, employment and improved livelihoods.
“Our goal is clear: transform reform into stability, stability into growth, and growth into a new era of shared prosperity where every Nigerian can aspire, work and thrive,” Idris said.
He also highlighted the role of citizens and institutions in supporting national progress, especially the media as Nigeria approaches another election cycle. He urged journalists and media organizations to strengthen fact-based public discourse, verification and national cohesion, stressing that political differences should not undermine the country’s common identity.
“The media, especially as we approach another election cycle, has a special responsibility to promote informed public discourse, anchored in facts, verification and national cohesion,” the Minister said.
The new head of the Federation’s civil service, Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel, said the public service has a central role in converting government policies and reforms into measurable results for citizens. He said the ongoing transformation of public administration is focused on improving efficiency, professionalism, accountability and citizen-centric service delivery through stronger performance management, digitalisation, continuous learning and innovation.
“Our responsibility is clear: to ensure that policies are implemented effectively, that programs produce measurable results and that the machinery of government acts with greater speed, professionalism and purpose,” he said.
Delivering the lecture, Dr. Collins A. Aimuan of the Governing Council of Philomath University, Kuje, traced Nigeria’s political and economic path since independence, highlighting the structural and fiscal pressures inherited from the current administration and examining the major reforms undertaken in response. He identified tax reform, changes in the oil sector, energy sector reforms, infrastructure investment and expanded education funding among measures aimed at changing the basic structure of the Nigerian economy.
“The reforms represent an attempt to change the basic architecture of Nigeria’s economy,” Aimuan said, stressing that the reforms should be supported and institutionalized beyond individual administrations to ensure 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 broaden access to opportunities.
He called for greater legislative and institutional support for reforms to ensure continuity and long-term impact, while also advocating changes to the mandate structure of elected executives, including a single-mandate arrangement.
“I suggest in this conference that a second term 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 has gone through difficult times since independence but has continued to demonstrate resilience and faith in the Nigerian project. He said the Administration’s reforms, including the elimination of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange reforms and fiscal measures, are aimed at restoring stability and creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth.
“This administration took office in 2023 and immediately made the bold decisions necessary to save the nation from imminent collapse. Such decisions include the removal of oil subsidies, the unification of the foreign exchange market, taxes and other fiscal reforms,” Akume said.
The SGF said the next phase will require converting economic growth into jobs, incomes and opportunities, while supporting investment in infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, social protection and security. He noted that the government is also expanding access to CNG, supporting food production and value chains, expanding education funding 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, continue to invest in education, infrastructure and healthcare, and ensure that growth leads to real opportunities for all,” he said.
