PRESS STATEMENT Democracy Day: FG Defends Tinubu's Reforms, says Nigeria on Path to Recovery The Federal Government has defended the economic and social reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu's administration, insisting that Nigeria is on the path to recovery despite prevailing hardship and security challenges. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume (CON), who addressed a national press conference on Tuesday to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration in Abuja, said available economic indicators showed that the country's fortunes were improving under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Senator Akume said the Tinubu administration remained committed to delivering on its promises as it approached the 2027 general elections, stressing that the government would seek "a revalidation of our mandate" from Nigerians. According to him, Nigeria's economy has recorded steady growth, with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanding by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026. While acknowledging that inflation and insecurity continue to affect citizens, the SGF maintained that the government's reforms were beginning to produce tangible results. "Government will never claim that every challenge has been solved," he said. "Inflation has been painful, though it is on a downward trend. Insecurity still threatens lives and livelihoods, but evidence shows that the country is moving in the right direction." Akume described the Democracy Day briefing as part of the administration's commitment to accountability, saying June 12 symbolises both the sacrifices that birthed democratic rule and the responsibility of elected leaders to improve citizens' welfare. He congratulated Nigerians for sustaining 27 uninterrupted years of democratic governance, describing the feat as one of the longest democratic experiences on the African continent. Highlighting some of the administration's achievements, the SGF said over three million vulnerable households had benefited from the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, while nearly one million Nigerians had accessed support under various government credit schemes. He disclosed that the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp) had disbursed N37 billion in consumer loans, with more than half of the beneficiaries obtaining formal credit for the first time. On education, Akume said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had supported more than 1.058 million students since the implementation of the Student Loan Act, with over N184 billion released for tuition and upkeep allowances. He added that the administration had expanded access to healthcare through the National Health Insurance Authority framework and increased funding for primary healthcare facilities across the country. The SGF also touted the government's anti-corruption drive, noting that proceeds recovered by anti-graft agencies had strengthened public interventions, including the transfer of more than N50 billion in recovered assets to support NELFUND. According to him, Nigeria's removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 reflected the impact of reforms in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. On security, Akume said the Federal Government was investing heavily in military capabilities and regional cooperation to combat terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities. He, however, urged citizens to complement government efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious movements to security agencies. "We can say clearly that institutional responses are being sharpened, coordination is improving, and reforms are continuing because peace and civic order are foundations of democratic progress," he stated.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION PRESS STATEMENT FG Won’t Surrender to Terrorists, Bandits, Tinubu Assures Nigerians ....says sacrifices made by June 12 heroes should inspire building a greater nation President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will intensify efforts to ease the economic hardship facing citizens, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s determination to defeat insecurity and secure the release of all persons held captive across the country. The assurance was conveyed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume CON, on Sunday during the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration. The Democracy Day Service which has the theme, "God of hope, actualise our dreams," was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker House of Representatives,Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; Minister of Foreign Affairs; Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation; Mrs, Didi Walson-Jack. Akume, who delivered President Tinubu’s message, congratulated Nigerians on 27 uninterrupted years of democratic rule since 1999, describing the milestone as a testament to the resilience, commitment and sacrifices of citizens who fought for the restoration of democracy. He paid tribute to pro-democracy activists and patriots of the June 12 struggle, noting that many endured persecution, injuries and even death in the quest to secure democratic governance for the country. The SGF said the President remains committed to fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities and would “double his efforts” to ensure that the socio-economic difficulties currently confronting Nigerians are substantially reduced through the delivery of sustainable democratic dividends. Acknowledging the hardship facing many households, Senator Akume said the government was fully aware of the economic strain, insecurity, kidnappings and displacement affecting several communities across the country. “Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” he said, adding that Tinubu was leading efforts to address the challenges with compassion and a strong sense of responsibility. On security, the SGF stressed that the safety of Nigerians remains a top priority of the Federal Government, describing recent attacks and abductions as painful reminders that more work remains to be done. He assured citizens that the safe return of all persons in captivity remains a national priority, noting that security agencies and relevant institutions are being supported with the necessary resources to protect lives, secure communities and preserve Nigeria’s territorial integrity. “The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he declared. With political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually gathering momentum, the SGF urged Nigerians to reject violence, hate campaigns and divisive rhetoric, warning that democracy must never be reduced to a battleground. He particularly appealed to young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used for thuggery, political violence, misinformation campaigns, ethnic abuse or religious intolerance. “Do not rent out your conscience for money, drugs, political patronage or online applause. Your future is worth more than any politician’s temporary convenience,” he said. The SGF also called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media and families to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence and responsible conduct as the nation moves toward another election cycle.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION PRESS STATEMENT FG INAUGURATES INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE FOR 27TH DEMOCRACY DAY CELEBRATION The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for the 27th Democracy Day Celebration, urging members to commence immediate preparations for a successful commemoration of Nigeria's democratic journey. Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held on Tuesday at the SGF's Conference Room, Shehu Shagari Complex, Abuja, Senator Akume described Democracy Day as an opportunity to reflect on the resilience, courage and determination of Nigerians who made immense sacrifices in the struggle for democratic governance. The SGF paid glowing tribute to the heroes of the June 12, 1993 democratic struggle and the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose sacrifice and commitment to democracy led to the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day. He noted that the democratic values and institutions being strengthened across the country today are founded on the sacrifices and struggles of patriots and democrats who fought for the enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria. According to him, commemorating Democracy Day remains a fitting and necessary way of honouring their memory while celebrating the nation's democratic progress. Senator Akume further stated that Democracy Day provides the Federal Government with an opportunity to showcase its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals, institutional strengthening and national development. He noted that the celebration would enable the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate to Nigerians the progress recorded in consolidating democracy, strengthening institutions and repositioning the country through various reform initiatives despite prevailing socio-economic challenges. The SGF observed that with only ten days to the June 12 anniversary, members of the committee must immediately commence work to ensure the successful execution of all activities earmarked for the celebration. He stressed that in line with the mood of the nation and the government's commitment to fiscal responsibility, this year's Democracy Day activities would be modest but purposeful. Senator Akume announced that activities approved for the 27th Democracy Day Celebration include a World Press Conference on Thursday, June 4, 2026; Special Juma'at Prayers on Friday, June 5, 2026; a Special Inter-denominational Church Service on Sunday, June 7, 2026; a Democracy Day Public Lecture on Tuesday, June 9, 2026; Youth and Women-Oriented Programmes on Wednesday, June 10, 2026; a Presidential Broadcast on Friday, June 12, 2026; a Joint National Assembly Address by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, June 12, 2026; and a Democracy Day Gala Night later the same day. The SGF disclosed that the Inter-Ministerial Committee has been divided into various sub-committees to handle the different activities, adding that the terms of reference and membership of the sub-committees would be communicated by the Secretariat. He directed all sub-committee secretaries to submit their budgets promptly for consideration and approval in order to ensure seamless implementation of the programmes. Senator Akume thereafter formally inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee with the following membership: Chairman - Secretary to the Government of the Federation Members - Minister of Information and National Orientation - Minister of Interior - Minister of the Federal Capital Territory - Minister of Health - Minister of Foreign Affairs - Minister of Finance - Minister of Budget and Economic Planning - Minister for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy - Minister of Defence - National Security Adviser - Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination - Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy

PRESS RELEASE DR. KANA CALLS FOR STRONGER CONTINENTAL COLLABORATION ON DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among African nations in building robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) systems that will drive inclusive governance, economic growth, innovation, and citizen-centered service delivery across the continent. Dr. Kana made this known in his goodwill message at the High-Level Continental Engagement with the theme: "Building African Digital Foundations Together", which was organized by Galaxy Backbone Ltd in collaboration with Co-Develop, Smart Africa, and MicroSave Consulting on Tuesday 19th May, 2026 in Abuja. Addressing distinguished representatives of governments, development partners, digital institutions, and stakeholders from across Africa, Dr. Kana described the gathering as a strategic platform for shaping the future of Africa's digital economy and strengthening the foundations required for sustainable development. He stressed that the continent's opportunity extends beyond merely digitizing existing systems to building a uniquely African digital future anchored on collaboration, inclusion, trust, and scalability. According to him, Digital Public Infrastructure has increasingly become a central pillar for national development and global competitiveness, noting that nations making significant progress in innovation, financial inclusion, digital governance, healthcare, education systems, and artificial intelligence are doing so on the strength of resilient digital ecosystems. "Digital identity systems, interoperable payment rails, trusted data exchange frameworks, and secure digital platforms are no longer optional national assets; they have become essential instruments of state capability and economic resilience," he stated. Dr. Kana particularly commended Galaxy Backbone alongside institutions such as the National Identity Management Commission and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System for their contributions to Nigeria's evolving Digital Public Infrastructure ecosystem and their support for the Federal Government's digital transformation agenda. He added that over the years, Galaxy Backbone has continued to demonstrate commitment to enabling secure digital infrastructure, supporting public sector modernization, and improving service delivery through technology-driven initiatives. He welcomed the drive toward developing a unified African Digital Public Infrastructure road-map over the next three to five years. He said the proposed framework would assist countries in identifying common priorities, encouraging reusable digital building blocks, reducing implementation costs, and strengthening local innovation ecosystems. He further emphasized the importance of moving beyond isolated conversations to practical and coordinated implementation efforts through pilot projects, shared platforms, and collaborative systems that could support broader continental interoperability in digital identity, payment systems, trade facilitation, healthcare, education, and data governance. Speaking on the implications of emerging technologies, Dr. Kana noted that Africa's readiness for the era of Artificial Intelligence would depend heavily on strong Digital Public Infrastructure. "There can be no meaningful Artificial Intelligence ecosystem without strong digital public infrastructure. Trusted data systems, digital identity frameworks, connectivity infrastructure, and interoperable platforms remain essential prerequisites for building ethical and inclusive AI systems that serve public interest objectives," he said.