FG Highlights Economic Reforms as Nigeria Marks 66 Years of Independence

The Federal Government has highlighted economic reforms introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made the remarks on Wednesday during the 66th Independence Anniversary Public Lecture in Abuja. Akume said the administration’s reforms since 2023 were designed to address longstanding economic and fiscal challenges. Among the major measures he highlighted were the removal of the petrol subsidy, foreign exchange reforms and changes to the country’s fiscal system. According to Akume, the reforms have begun to produce measurable economic results. He cited World Bank data indicating that Nigeria’s real GDP grew by 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026, compared with 3.9 per cent during the corresponding period of the previous year. He also pointed to infrastructure investment, domestic refining capacity, agriculture, energy and other sectors as areas where the government says progress has been recorded. The SGF said more than 120,000 vehicles had been converted to Compressed Natural Gas, supported by more than 400 conversion centres and 90 fuelling stations nationwide. He also highlighted government programmes targeting education, youth skills, healthcare, agriculture and social protection. On agriculture, Akume said the government was supporting mechanisation, irrigation, improved seeds, fertiliser distribution, storage and local processing. He also disclosed that the World Bank had approved $500 million in credit for the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth project. The government has nevertheless acknowledged that economic challenges remain and that growth must translate into better living conditions for ordinary Nigerians. Akume himself said the task ahead was to ensure that economic growth resulted in jobs and higher incomes. The Federal Government has therefore framed the next phase of its economic programme around consolidating reforms and expanding opportunities. As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, the discussion over the country’s economic direction remains closely linked to questions about inflation, household purchasing power, employment, food security, energy costs and access to opportunities. The government says the reforms are laying the foundation for long-term growth, while the coming years will determine how effectively those economic changes translate into tangible improvements for Nigerians.