Nigeria @66: FG Pushes for Growth, Jobs, Improved Living Standards
The Federal Government has called for sustained implementation of ongoing economic reforms to translate emerging stability into stronger economic growth, job creation and improved living standards for Nigerians.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the Independence Day Public Lecture marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The lecture, organised by the Federal Government at the State House, Abuja, had the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”
A statement by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation today in Abuja.
Idris said the reforms introduced by the President Bola Tinubu administration over the past three years had begun addressing longstanding structural weaknesses in the economy, creating a foundation for sustainable growth.
He acknowledged the sacrifices and patience required of Nigerians but stressed the need to ensure that the emerging economic gains translated into tangible benefits for citizens.
“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,” he said.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.43 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, while domestic refining capacity, investment and productive activities were expanding.
He said the government’s priority was to sustain the progress and create more employment opportunities, improve livelihoods and expand access to economic opportunities.
“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 said.
He also urged the media to promote fact-based public discourse, verification and national cohesion, particularly as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
According to him, political differences should not undermine national unity, adding that journalists have a responsibility to strengthen informed public engagement and protect the country’s common identity.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy, foreign exchange market reforms and fiscal measures, were designed to restore economic stability and create conditions for sustainable development.
Akume said the government was now focused on translating economic growth into jobs, higher incomes and improved opportunities through sustained investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, social protection and security.
He added that ongoing interventions included expanding access to compressed natural gas, supporting food production and value chains, widening education financing and strengthening assistance to vulnerable Nigerians.
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“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,” he said.
Also speaking, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel, said the public service had a central role in translating government policies and reforms into measurable outcomes for citizens.
Abel said the ongoing civil service transformation was focused on improving 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 public lecture, the Governing Council member of Philomath University, Kuje, Dr Collins A. Aimuan, examined Nigeria’s political and economic journey since independence, highlighting the structural and fiscal challenges confronting the country and the reforms introduced to address them.
He identified tax reforms, changes in the petroleum sector, power-sector reforms, infrastructure investment and expanded education financing as key measures aimed at restructuring the economy.
Aimuan called for stronger legislative and institutional backing to sustain the reforms beyond individual administrations, stressing the importance of policy continuity in achieving long-term national development.
He also highlighted the expansion of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and investments in major road corridors as efforts to widen access to opportunities.
The lecturer further advocated a review of the tenure structure of elected executives, proposing a single-term arrangement, while also expressing support for President Tinubu to have a second term to consolidate the ongoing reforms.
Speaking on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, Akume said the country had overcome several challenges through the resilience and determination of its people, expressing confidence in the Nigerian project.
He said the next phase of the government’s economic agenda would focus on ensuring that the benefits of reforms reach more Nigerians through expanded investments and improved public service delivery.
The event was attended by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman; the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu; the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
Others included the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite; the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr Binyerem C. Ukaire, among other senior government officials.
By PRNigeria
