By Atlantic Reports

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has presented a case for continuity ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that its reforms are strengthening the economy and expanding investment in infrastructure and public services.

At a recent engagement with senior editors at Radio House in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said the government’s next task was to translate reported economic improvements into jobs, affordable services and stronger household purchasing power.

Presidential adviser on information and strategy Bayo Onanuga also attended, defending the administration’s policies and calling for accurate reporting and accountability across all tiers of government.

The presentation was the government’s assessment of its record. Its figures and claims require consideration alongside implementation evidence and the experiences of Nigerians affected by the reforms.

Economic Gains and Household Pressure

Idris said economic growth was projected to exceed four per cent in 2026. He reported a current account surplus of $12 billion in the first half of the year, compared with $8.6 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.

He also said inflation had declined from about 27 per cent in January 2025 to around 15 per cent, while external reserves exceeded $54 billion in September.

The minister cited foreign exchange stability, increased oil production, reduced oil theft and non-oil export earnings above $6 billion in 2025 as further signs of progress.

The supplied account did not identify the statistical releases underlying these figures or specify the reference month for the reported inflation rate. The growth figure is a forecast, rather than a completed annual result.

Lower inflation also means prices are rising more slowly, rather than necessarily falling. That distinction matters to households whose incomes have not kept pace with earlier increases.

“We recognise that many households continue to face cost-of-living pressures,” Idris said.

“Our commitment is to ensure that stronger economic indicators translate into more jobs, more productive businesses, more affordable essential services and greater purchasing power for Nigerian families.”

Infrastructure and Agricultural Promises

Idris said four projects described by the administration as “legacy projects” covered approximately 3,000 kilometres across the six geopolitical zones.

He also cited an approved highway project valued at about ₦1.5 trillion in Niger State, alongside investments in railways, ports, electricity, healthcare and education.

“Every road project is money flowing to contractors, suppliers, engineers, artisans, transporters and food vendors,” he said.

While construction can generate economic activity, project announcements and approvals are distinct from completed infrastructure. The presentation did not provide a consolidated breakdown of expenditure, completion levels or delivery dates.

In agriculture, Idris said the government was pursuing mechanisation, irrigation, access to inputs and financing to increase production and reduce food costs. The account did not quantify the resulting changes in farm output, farmers’ incomes or retail prices.

Education, Healthcare and Transport

The minister said five cancer treatment centres had been commissioned, with a target of 10, alongside primary healthcare revitalisation efforts.

He reported that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund had supported more than 1.6 million students, paying over ₦192 billion in tuition fees and ₦180 billion in upkeep allowances.

He also highlighted training through the Three Million Technical Talent programme in software development, data science, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. The presentation did not provide completion or employment outcomes for participants.

On transport, Idris said the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicle Initiative had attracted about $2.5 billion in private investment, alongside approximately ₦250 billion in government funding and commitments.

Funding commitments should be distinguished from money disbursed. The account did not separate those categories or explain how much of the reported private investment had been deployed.

Idris said more than 120,000 vehicles had been converted, with over 400 certified conversion centres and more than 90 refuelling stations established. Another 180 stations were under development.

For motorists and passengers, the practical benefits will depend on access to functioning stations, conversion costs and whether operating savings translate into affordable fares.

Bonds, Welfare and Public Obligations

Idris said the government had issued a ₦758 billion bond to clear inherited pension arrears, benefiting almost one million pensioners. He also reported ₦1.2 trillion in bonds to settle debts owed to electricity generation and gas companies.

Bond issuance is a financing step. Establishing settlement requires evidence of payments received and the liabilities discharged.

The minister said the National Social Register was supporting more than 10 million households and highlighted consumer credit for essential purchases. The account did not clarify whether the household figure represented registration, eligibility or actual receipt of assistance.

Security Remains a Test

Idris attributed security gains to improved equipment, intelligence, logistics and coordination, citing hostage rescues and operations against insurgency, kidnapping and oil theft.

He nevertheless acknowledged continuing insecurity in parts of Nigeria.

“We will continue to protect vulnerable communities and work towards a country in which every citizen can live, travel, farm, trade and work in safety,” he said.

The presentation did not provide comparable casualty, abduction or displacement figures to measure the scale of improvement.

Idris also cited increased transfers to states and local governments, efforts towards local government autonomy, proposals for state police and electricity reforms. He referenced a World Bank finding that combined state capital expenditure rose by 151 per cent in real terms between 2023 and 2025.

Higher expenditure does not alone establish better services. Its impact depends on what was delivered, where and for whom.

Voters Will Weigh Delivery

Both officials urged journalists to scrutinise government while checking facts and providing context. Onanuga warned against misleading headlines and said accountability should extend to every level of government.

The administration argues that another term would consolidate reforms and allow ongoing investments to mature. That is its political case, rather than a guaranteed outcome.

For voters, the assessment will extend beyond national indicators and spending announcements to household finances, employment, safety and access to reliable public services. Those everyday results will determine how persuasive the continuity argument becomes.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.