FG urges reforms consolidation as Sultan leads Muslims in national prayer

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has said that reforms undertaken by President Bola Tinubu’s administration since 2023, which have begun to yield positive results, are necessary to save Nigeria from imminent collapse.

Similarly, National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, felicitated with Nigerians on the occasion of the 66th Independence anniversary, saying the country is on the path to a stronger, more prosperous state.

Also, the Federal Government called for sustained efforts to consolidate the reforms of the Tinubu administration and translate emerging economic stability into stronger growth, expanded opportunities and improved quality of life for Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday led Muslim leaders from across the country in a special prayer for Nigeria, seeking divine intervention to address the challenges confronting the country.

Akume spoke yesterday in Abuja at the 66th Independence Anniversary Lecture, part of activities marking the Independence anniversary under the theme, ‘Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress’.

He noted that, 66 years after Independence, Nigeria 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 World Bank data, Akume said: “According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026, from 3.9 per cent a year earlier, as business activity expanded. The task before us now is ensuring that growth translates into jobs and higher incomes for all Nigerians.”

He outlined massive infrastructure investments as evidence of progress.

YILWATDA described the anniversary as a moment to celebrate the resilience, unity and enduring faith of Nigerians in the greatness of their country.

Congratulating Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora and commending citizens for their sacrifices, patience and determination in navigating the difficult challenges confronting the nation, the APC boss said Nigeria’s journey since Independence had not been without difficulties, but the country consistently demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to overcome adversity, reinvent itself and move forward.

The APC National Chairman, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, pointed out that the Tinubu administration inherited a difficult economic situation and took the politically difficult decision to undertake fundamental reforms designed to correct longstanding structural distortions and place the economy on a more sustainable footing.

He noted that the reforms involved significant short-term sacrifices for Nigerians, but said there were increasingly measurable signs of macroeconomic stabilisation.

MINISTER of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, at an Independence Day Public Lecture organised by the Federal Government at the State House, Abuja, said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey, acknowledge the sacrifices and resilience of its people and renew the collective commitment to building a more prosperous, secure and united nation.

The lecture has the theme, ‘From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity’.

Idris said the reforms undertaken over the past three years addressed longstanding structural weaknesses and were beginning to create stronger foundations for economic growth.

The minister noted that 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.

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Abel Enitan, said “the public service has a central role” in converting government policies and reforms into measurable outcomes for citizens.

THE Abuja prayer, held at the National Mosque, brought together Islamic scholars, chief imams, traditional rulers and representatives of Muslim organisations from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The gathering was convened by the NSCIA ahead of Nigeria’s Independence anniversary and formed part of activities leading to the council’s General Assembly, its highest decision-making organ.

During the prayer, Muslim leaders sought God’s intervention to end insecurity, hunger, poverty, and other difficulties facing Nigerians, and prayed for peace, stability, and development across the country.

Secretary-General of NSCIA, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, said praying for Nigeria was a responsibility of citizens and had no political motive.