By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Federal Government has said Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms are beginning to deliver greater stability and create the foundation for sustained growth and shared prosperity.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at a World Press Conference organised to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and hosted by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
Idris said Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.43 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 4.23 per cent recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2025, describing the development as evidence of improving economic activity.
He also announced that Nigeria had returned to the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index after 11 years, while noting that the country had been delisted from the index in the past.
According to him, the country’s external position has strengthened, with foreign reserves rising, domestic refining capacity expanding, and investment and productive activities gaining momentum.
“Those decisions were difficult, and Nigerians have borne real costs, He stressed.
Today, however, Nigeria is moving from the difficult work of reform and stabilisation towards a new phase of growth, production and shared prosperity,” Idris said.
The Minister also cited Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List as another milestone, saying the government’s reforms were aimed at correcting longstanding structural and fiscal distortions.
He said the 66th Independence Anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey, acknowledge the resilience of its citizens and renew the collective commitment to building a more prosperous, secure and united country.
“Independence Day occupies a special place in our national life.
It reminds us of the sacrifices that brought us here, the resilience that has sustained us, and the responsibility every generation carries to strengthen the country it inherited,” Idris said.
Speaking at the event, SGF George Akume said Nigeria’s 66-year journey had recorded significant milestones, including the uninterrupted constitutional democracy experienced since 1999.
Akume said the immediate task before the government and citizens was to consolidate the gains of ongoing reforms and ensure that ordinary Nigerians benefited from emerging economic opportunities.
“The task before us today, as leaders and citizens, is consolidation. We must ensure that the gains from reform translate into better opportunities for ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
The SGF said the Federal Government was mobilising revenue, improving public finances and implementing interventions in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare and social protection.
He stressed the need to protect vulnerable Nigerians while implementing economic reforms.
“The guiding principle is that while we reform our economy, we must protect those who are already struggling. No one in poverty should be forgotten,” Akume said.
According to him, the Administration will continue to strengthen national security, support the private sector and promote national cohesion to ensure that economic opportunities reach communities across the country.
“From reforms, we have built stability. From stability, let us deepen growth and opportunity, and from growth, let us extend shared prosperity to every corner of Nigeria,” he said.
Responding to questions from journalists, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said blamed game won’t take Nigeria Forward
According to the Minister the government’s reforms were aimed at making deliberate policy choices capable of expanding the Nigerian economy and making it more inclusive.
Bagudu acknowledged that the country was still facing challenges but said the focus should remain on identifying the policy choices required to achieve the desired economic outcomes.
“We are not yet where we want to be. What is important is to identify what are the choices that we need to make so that we can go to where we want to be,” he said.
On security, Idris acknowledged that challenges persisted but said the Federal Government had increased investment in security equipment, intelligence, personnel and inter-agency coordination.
“Now, does it mean that we have solved all the security challenges in this country? No, and there is so much progress,” the Minister said.
Similarly, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said improved access to farmlands in previously affected areas, coupled with government support for fertiliser and improved seeds, was contributing to increased agricultural production.
Kyari said about 70 per cent of areas previously affected by insecurity in parts of the country had been liberated, allowing farmers to return to their farms.
“We have seen a lot of areas in the centre; 70 per cent of those places that were hitherto under security have been liberated. We have seen an increase in production today,” he said.
The World Press Conference formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, providing the Federal Government an opportunity to highlight economic reforms, security, agriculture and other areas of national development while outlining its plans for the years ahead.
Among those who attended the event were the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel.
Also present were the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Office of the SGF, Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens; Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi; Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira; and other senior government officials and dignitaries.
