THE Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume has explained that reforms undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration since 2023 were necessary to save Nigeria from imminent collapse.

According to the SGF, the reforms have begun to yield positive results .

Akume spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the 66th Independence Anniversary Lecture. The event was part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary under the theme “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress”.

He noted that, 66 years after independence, Nigeria has survived civil war, decades of military rule and many trials, adding that: “Yet through it all, our faith has sustained us and our people continue to demonstrate a strong belief in the Nigerian project.”

On the economy, the SGF said the administration took difficult but necessary decisions at inception.

“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, etc. These were difficult decisions, but necessary to rebuild stability and we have started enjoying the results,” he said.

Citing the World Bank data, Akume said: “According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s real GDP grew by 4.2% in the first half of 2026, up from 3.9% a year earlier, as business activity expanded. The task before us now is to ensure that growth translates into jobs and higher incomes for all Nigerians.”

He outlined massive infrastructure investments as evidence of progress.

“The country has over the past three and a half years witnessed massive investment in infrastructure and to improvement in connectivity,” he stated.

He reiterated the fact that projects like the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Abuja-Kano highway, the East-West Road,  the rail modernisation and port reforms would dramatically improve trade routes and the economy.

He added that government is expanding mortgage finance to boost housing and jobs, and tackling power and transport costs.

“We have tackled the power sector’s problems by clearing legacy debts, increasing investment, and improving transmission and billing. We are also harnessing Nigeria’s abundant natural gas. Over 120,000 vehicles have been converted to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), with more than 400 conversion centres and 90 fuelling stations nationwide,” the SGF said.

“This shift is cutting fuel costs for motorists and commuters. CNG buses now carry millions of passengers at fares far below those of petrol buses. We will not return to the ruinous petroleum subsidy regime of the past.”

On agriculture and food security, he reaffirmed government’s determination that Nigerians “eat what we grow,” supporting mechanisation, irrigation, quality seeds, fertilizer, silos and local processing.

“I am pleased that the World Bank has approved a $500 million credit for the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) project. This initiative will raise smallholder productivity, strengthen value chains, and improve food and nutrition security.” Akume announced.

Addressing youth empowerment, the SGF said over 60% of Nigerians are under 25 and described them as Nigeria’s greatest asset.

“We have expanded the Education Loan Fund so that millions of students can afford university and vocational studies. We are strengthening technical and vocational institutes to teach the skills that industry needs. Our young people are not just leaders of tomorrow – they are partners in building Nigeria today.”

He also called on the diaspora to invest homewards, noting they bring “not just remittances, but ideas, investments and pride.”

Speaking on health and social protection, Akume said the government is equipping thousands of primary healthcare centres under the IMPACT initiative and expanding safety nets including NG-CARES Additional Financing, SOLID and HOPE programmes backed by World Bank and federal funds, to provide cash transfers and essential services to vulnerable families.

On security, he saluted the armed forces and said government is improving equipment, intelligence and coordination, with a new National Threat Assessment and five-year Strategic Defence Plan.

“Security and welfare of the people is the responsibility of government. Nothing matters more than the safety of our people. When communities have opportunities and trust in justice, crime and violence decline. In that sense, development and security go hand in hand,” he stated.

Concluding, the SGF said the Independence Lecture should be a call to duty.

“We as leaders envision a Nigeria where a young graduate becomes an employer of labour; where a farmer can feed his family and sell surplus at market; where an entrepreneur can turn a small shop into a thriving enterprise; and where every child goes to a good school and sees a doctor when sick.”

“We know the path will not be easy but our goal is clear: shared prosperity for all Nigerians,” he added.