The Federal Government has called for sustained efforts to consolidate the reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration and translate emerging economic stability into stronger growth, expanded opportunities and improved quality of life for Nigerians. This was stated by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the Independence Day Public Lecture marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary in Abuja. The lecture had the theme, "From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria's Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity."
According to Minister Idris, the reforms undertaken over the past three years had addressed longstanding structural weaknesses and were beginning to create stronger foundations for economic growth. He 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. The Minister emphasized that the next phase was to ensure that economic gains translated into tangible benefits for citizens through greater opportunities, employment and improved livelihoods.
The Minister highlighted the role of citizens and institutions in sustaining national progress, particularly the media as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle. He urged journalists and media organisations to strengthen fact-based public discourse, verification and national cohesion, stressing that political differences should not undermine the country's common identity. Idris said the media carries a special responsibility to promote informed public discourse anchored on facts, verification and national cohesion.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, said the public service had a central role in converting government policies and reforms into measurable outcomes for citizens. He noted that the ongoing transformation of the civil service was focused on improving efficiency, professionalism, accountability and citizen-centred service delivery through stronger performance management, digitisation, continuous learning and innovation.
Dr. Collins A. Aimuan, Governing Council Philomath University, Kuje, delivered the lecture and traced Nigeria's political and economic journey from independence, highlighting the structural and fiscal pressures inherited by the present administration and examining the major reforms undertaken in response. He identified tax reform, changes in the petroleum sector, power-sector reforms, infrastructure investment and expanded education financing among measures aimed at changing the underlying structure of the Nigerian economy.
Aimuan called for stronger legislative and institutional backing for reforms to ensure continuity and long-term impact, while also making a case for changes to the tenure structure of elected executives, including a single-term arrangement. He suggested that a second tenure is necessary to enable President Bola Tinubu to fully consolidate these reforms for the shared benefits and prosperity of Nigeria.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, said the country had moved through difficult periods since independence but continued to demonstrate resilience and faith in the Nigerian project. He noted that the Administration's reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign-exchange reforms and fiscal measures, were intended to restore stability and create conditions for sustainable economic growth.
Key points
- The Federal Government urges Nigerians to consolidate reforms for shared prosperity on 66th Independence Anniversary.
- Nigeria's economy recorded 4.43 per cent growth in the second quarter of 2026.
- The media is urged to promote informed public discourse anchored on facts, verification and national cohesion.
