The Federal Government has called for a stronger and sustained push to consolidate the economic reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and translate emerging stability into stronger growth, expanded opportunities 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 organised by the Federal Government to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The lecture, held at the State House, Abuja, had the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”
Idris said Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge the sacrifices and resilience of its citizens and renew the collective commitment to building a more prosperous, secure and united nation.
He said the reforms implemented over the past three years had begun addressing longstanding structural weaknesses in the economy, despite the difficulties and sacrifices they had imposed on Nigerians.
“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,” Idris said.
According to the minister, 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 now to ensure that the gains recorded through the reforms translated into tangible benefits for citizens, including greater employment opportunities, improved livelihoods and stronger economic prospects.
“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,” he said.
Idris also stressed the importance of citizens and institutions in sustaining the country’s progress, particularly with another electoral cycle approaching.
He urged journalists and media organisations to promote responsible and fact-based public discourse, strengthen verification and support national cohesion.
“The media, particularly as we approach another electoral cycle, carries a special responsibility to promote informed public discourse anchored on facts, verification and national cohesion,” he said.
Also speaking, the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel, said the public service had a critical role to play in converting government policies and reforms into measurable outcomes for Nigerians.
Abel said the ongoing transformation of the civil service was focused on improving efficiency, professionalism, accountability and citizen-centred service delivery.
He said the process included stronger performance management, digitisation, continuous learning and innovation across the public service.
“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,” Abel said.
Delivering the lecture, the Governing Council of Philomath University, Kuje, Dr Collins A. Aimuan, traced Nigeria’s political and economic journey since independence, highlighting the structural and fiscal pressures inherited by the present administration.
Aimuan examined key reforms introduced by the government, including tax reforms, changes in the petroleum sector, power-sector reforms, infrastructure investment and expanded education financing.
He said the measures were aimed at addressing structural weaknesses in the economy and creating a stronger foundation for sustainable economic development.
The speakers called for continued commitment by government institutions, citizens and other stakeholders to ensure that the reform process produces lasting economic benefits and contributes to improved living standards for Nigerians.