FG calls for consolidation of reforms for shared prosperity

The Federal Government has called for sustained efforts to consolidate the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration and translate emerging stability into stronger growth, expanded opportunities and improved living standards for Nigerians.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call yesterday in Abuja at the Independence Day Public Lecture marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The lecture, held at the State House, Abuja, had as its theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity,” and was delivered by the Chairman of the Governing Council of Philomath University, Kuje, Collins Aimuan.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris said the anniversary offered Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge the sacrifices and resilience of its people and renew their commitment to building a more prosperous, secure and united nation.

He said reforms undertaken in the past three years had begun addressing longstanding structural weaknesses and laying 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,” Idris said.

The minister said 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.

According to him, the next phase is to ensure that the gains translate into tangible benefits 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 also highlighted the role of citizens and institutions in sustaining national progress, particularly the media as the country approaches another electoral cycle.

“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,” he said.

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, 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 efficiency, professionalism, accountability and citizen-centred service delivery through 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, Aimuan traced Nigeria’s political and economic journey since independence, highlighting what he described as the structural and fiscal pressures inherited by the present administration and the reforms introduced in response.

He identified tax reform, changes in the petroleum and power sectors, infrastructure investment and expanded education financing among measures aimed at restructuring the economy.

“The reforms represented an attempt to change the underlying architecture of Nigeria’s economy,” Aimuan said.

He argued that the reforms should be 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 investment in major road corridors.

He called for stronger legislative and institutional backing for the reforms and advocated 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.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said Nigeria had survived difficult periods since independence and continued to demonstrate resilience.

Akume said the administration’s reforms, including petrol subsidy removal, foreign exchange changes 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.”

He said the next phase would require converting economic growth into jobs, incomes and opportunities while sustaining investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, social protection and security.

“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,” Akume said.