Tinubu’s Reforms Yielding Results, National Ranching Policy Set For Launch
Democracy Day Review Puts Government Reforms Under Spotlight
THE Federal Government has defended the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that ongoing economic and governance reforms are gradually producing measurable results despite persistent inflationary pressures and security concerns across the country.
At a Democracy Day press conference in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the administration remained committed to long-term structural reforms designed to stabilize the economy, strengthen institutions and improve citizens’ welfare.
The briefing formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule and the third anniversary of the current administration.
Government Acknowledges Hardship, Cites Economic Gains
Akume admitted that many Nigerians continue to face economic difficulties arising from recent reforms but argued that key economic indicators suggest the country is moving in a positive direction.
According to him, official data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicates that Nigeria’s economy maintained growth momentum, recording a 4.07 percent expansion in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 percent growth in the first quarter of 2026.
He noted that the administration deliberately abandoned short-term economic fixes in favour of broader reforms intended to deliver sustainable stability and long-term prosperity.
The SGF also pointed to major fiscal reforms, including the enactment of four tax reform laws in 2025 aimed at improving tax administration, boosting revenue generation and creating a fairer taxation system.
Social Intervention Programmes Reach Millions
The government highlighted several social protection initiatives introduced under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Akume disclosed that the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme was designed to reach 15 million households, with more than three million vulnerable families already benefiting from the initiative.
He further revealed that government-backed loan schemes had supported over one million Nigerians, while more than 200,000 citizens had accessed consumer credit for the first time through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation.
In education, he said the student loan programme had exceeded one million beneficiaries, describing it as a major intervention to improve access to higher education.
Health, Anti-Corruption and Security Efforts
The administration also cited progress in healthcare, noting that investments in primary healthcare infrastructure and the implementation of mandatory health insurance across public institutions were expanding access to medical services.
According to Akume, more than 8,000 primary healthcare centres have received government support, with plans underway to extend coverage to 13,000 facilities nationwide.
On anti-corruption efforts, he disclosed that over ₦50 billion recovered from proceeds of crime had been channelled into the student loan fund.
He also linked Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 to improvements in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems.
While acknowledging ongoing security challenges, the SGF said government was investing heavily in security agencies, intelligence gathering and regional cooperation to improve public safety.
Ranching Policy to Be Unveiled
A major highlight of the briefing came from the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who announced that the Federal Government would unveil a National Ranching Policy next week in Nasarawa State.
The minister explained that the policy would encourage modern livestock production, reduce pastoral migration and help address recurring conflicts linked to grazing activities.
He revealed that the government had already begun developing the Kawu Grazing Reserve in the Federal Capital Territory as a pilot settlement project, complete with water infrastructure and pasture development initiatives.
Maiha stressed that livestock assets remain privately owned and that government’s role is limited to creating an enabling environment for growth and investment in the sector.
Government Calls for Unity
The administration used the Democracy Day platform to urge Nigerians to remain committed to national unity and democratic values.
Akume said the Federal Executive Council had approved a National Values Charter aimed at promoting integrity, discipline, responsible citizenship and peaceful coexistence.
Government officials maintained that despite existing challenges, reforms underway across key sectors would continue to lay the foundation for long-term national development.
