The federal government has assured Nigerians that its ongoing economic reforms and investments are gradually laying the foundation for greater stability, improved economic conditions and shared prosperity.
The assurance was given by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at a World Press Conference held ahead of the 66th Independence Anniversary at the Rotunda Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
While acknowledging that poverty, insecurity and infrastructure deficits remain challenges, he cited the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of the forex market, and ongoing investments in infrastructure, security, power and agriculture as reforms restoring stability and paving the way for shared prosperity.
Akume also called on Nigerians to embrace the country’s diversity as a strength, saying differences in ethnicity, region, language and faith should unite rather than divide the nation.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation and Chairman of the Media/Publicity Sub-Committee for the anniversary, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria’s economy recorded a 4.43 per cent growth in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 4.23 per cent in the same period of 2025, reflecting the country’s transition from economic reforms towards sustained growth and broader economic opportunities.
Idris also highlighted the administration’s infrastructure drive, including four legacy superhighway corridors such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal and Sokoto-Badagry Superhighways, alongside the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and an agricultural mechanisation programme to deploy 10,000 tractors over five years to boost food security and inclusive growth.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Political and Economic Affairs Office (PEAO) in the OSGF, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, who thanked all participants for their presence and active participation, also noted that the gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s journey so far, assess the progress made, and consider the work that still lies ahead in building a stronger and more united Nigeria.
The Press Conference themed ” From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity” had in attendance prominent government officials including the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu; the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zaphaniah Jisalo; and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, among others.
The event also attracted diplomats from countries including Iran, Algeria and Tunisia, underscoring international interest in Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.