By Becky Momodu
The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to the Nigerian project by strengthening institutions, supporting infrastructure development and building an economy that gives every citizen a fair opportunity to prosper.
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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the call on Thursday in Abuja while delivering remarks at a world press conference organised to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Akume, who is Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Independence Anniversary celebrations, said the country must consolidate the gains of ongoing reforms and translate stability into sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
He said, “Let us renew our commitment to the Nigerian project by strengthening the institutions that serve the people, by building the infrastructure that supports business and farming, and by creating an economy where every Nigerian has a fair chance to prosper.”
According to him, Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant achievements as well as challenges, stressing that the country’s 27 years of uninterrupted constitutional democracy represents an important milestone.
The SGF said the theme of this year’s anniversary, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity,” underscores the need to ensure that ongoing reforms translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
He highlighted government’s investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, social protection, security and other sectors, saying the measures were designed to strengthen the economy and improve citizens’ welfare.
Akume also acknowledged the hardships being experienced by Nigerians, including poverty, insecurity and infrastructure deficits, but said the government remained committed to addressing the challenges through consistent policies, stronger institutions and collective effort.
He said the administration would continue to focus on consolidating reforms, deepening stability and delivering growth that improves the lives of Nigerians.
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“From reforms, we have built stability. From stability, let us deepen growth and opportunity. And from growth, let us extend shared prosperity to every corner of Nigeria,” he said.
The SGF urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to remain committed to the unity and development of the country, stressing that the diversity of Nigeria should be a source of strength rather than division.
He wished Nigerians a peaceful, meaningful and purposeful celebration of the 66th Independence Anniversary and concluded with a call for continued commitment to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Minister of information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said Nigeria is moving from the difficult phase of economic reforms and stabilisation into a new phase of growth, production and shared prosperity.
The Minister said the reforms undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration had addressed longstanding structural and fiscal challenges, despite the difficulties associated with the measures.
He said the country’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.43 per cent, while its export position and foreign reserves had strengthened.
According to him, domestic refining capacity has also expanded, with investment and productive activities showing renewed momentum.
Idris said Nigeria’s foreign reserves had crossed the $55 billion mark, describing the development as one of the significant indicators of progress recorded under the administration.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s return to the international financial market, saying the country had been delisted from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and returned to the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Index after 11 years.
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The Minister said Nigeria had also emerged as the African Union’s digital trade champion and had become the biggest supplier of aviation fuel to Europe.
Nigeria marks her independence annually on 1st October.