Boma Achenimie 
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has outlined the considerable strides made by the current administration in improving the daily lives of Nigerians.
Speaking during a World Press Conference on Thursday, as he reel out the programmes ahead of Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, Akume spotlighted several key initiatives, including the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) program.
Akume revealed that the CNG initiative has already begun alleviating transportation challenges by launching 30 hybrid CNG-powered buses and distributing free CNG conversion kits to encourage the switch to more affordable and environmentally friendly transportation.
He emphasized that this initiative is part of a larger plan to extend across all regions of the country, reducing travel costs by up to 50% once fully implemented.
“This is a work in progress,” Akume said, explaining that the initiative is designed to expand nationwide, including retrofitting CNG trains on the Abuja-Kaduna route.
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Beyond transportation, Akume highlighted the administration’s commitment to bolstering the economy by empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s reforms have refocused on strengthening the backbone of the economy through business support and repositioning the National Social Investment Programme to better serve the poor, vulnerable, and elderly.
On labor reforms, Akume pointed out that Nigerian workers have benefited from a newly approved national minimum wage, alongside a wage award to alleviate the economic strain following the removal of fuel subsidies.
In the realm of education, Akume shared that over 22,120 students have benefited from the Nigerian Students Loan Fund, with N2.5 billion disbursed to support higher education, offering relief to parents and enabling access for indigent students.
Addressing security concerns, Akume acknowledged that insecurity has plagued the country for decades but praised the administration’s efforts in strengthening the armed forces and security agencies to combat insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping.
He noted that progress is being made, with insurgents and bandits either neutralized or surrendering for deradicalization.
Touching on climate challenges, Akume said that the government has responded swiftly to recent floods affecting several states, with efforts underway to prevent future occurrences through improved planning and prevention strategies.
Akume reassured Nigerians that the administration is fully aware of the economic difficulties, including those arising from the removal of fuel subsidies, and is working to mitigate the impact while creating opportunities in the short, medium, and long term.
“This government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very much aware of and deeply sympathises with all Nigerians over the economic conditions we are passing through,” he said, adding that the Renewed Hope Agenda remains a priority for sustained national development.
