Democracy Day: Tracking Tinubu’s scorecard

As the nation marks another Democracy Day in commemoration of the June 12 election, COLLINS NNABUIFE, in this report, looks at the scorecard of some ministries under the Bola Tinubu administration as presented by the ministers during the Democracy Day briefing in Abuja.

AS Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance and commemorates Democracy Day 2026, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has used the occasion to present what it describes as a scorecard of reforms, achievements and ongoing efforts aimed at repositioning Africa’s largest economy.

At a national press conference in Abuja attended by key members of the Federal Executive Council, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and several ministers highlighted the milestones recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

The presentations offered insights into the administration’s performance in economic management, social welfare, education, healthcare, infrastructure, water resources, anti-corruption, and national security, while acknowledging the challenges that continue to confront the country.

For the Tinubu administration, Democracy Day is more than a symbolic celebration. According to the SGF, it is an opportunity for accountability and public scrutiny.

“Democracy carries both memory and mandate,” he said, emphasizing that government must continually justify public trust through measurable development outcomes.

The administration’s third anniversary coincides with the Democracy Day celebrations, providing a platform to evaluate the impact of reforms introduced under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

One of the major highlights of the administration’s scorecard is the economy.

Despite inheriting significant fiscal and monetary challenges, government officials maintained that reforms are beginning to yield positive results.

While acknowledging that inflation and the rising cost of living have placed enormous pressure on Nigerians, the administration insists that economic indicators point to gradual recovery.

According to data cited by the SGF, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remained in positive territory, recording growth of 4.07 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 percent in the first quarter of 2026.

These figures, government officials argue, reflect growing investor confidence, increased market activity and improved productive capacity.

The administration also highlighted fiscal reforms introduced to strengthen public finances and improve revenue generation. A key milestone was the signing of four major tax reform laws in June 2025.

The reforms are aimed at simplifying tax compliance, enhancing transparency and fairness, and improving domestic revenue mobilisation.

Government officials contend that these measures are critical for reducing dependence on borrowing while creating a more predictable business environment.

Recognising the hardship associated with economic reforms, the administration has expanded social protection programmes to cushion vulnerable households.

Among the flagship initiatives is the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, designed to support 15 million households across the country.

Government records indicate that more than three million vulnerable households had already benefited from the programme by August 2025.

Similarly, the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and CreditCorp have provided financial support to citizens and small businesses in all 774 local government areas.

According to the government, nearly one million Nigerians have benefited from these interventions since 2025.

The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp) has also emerged as a major pillar of the administration’s financial inclusion strategy. More than 200,000 Nigerians have reportedly accessed consumer credit, with over N37 billion disbursed in 2025 alone.

Notably, government data suggests that more than half of the beneficiaries accessed formal credit for the first time, a development viewed as a significant step toward financial empowerment.

One of the administration’s most celebrated achievements is the implementation of the Student Loan Scheme.

The Student Loan Act, signed into law in April 2024, paved the way for the establishment and operation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Within two years of implementation, NELFUND has surpassed one million beneficiaries.

Official figures show that over 1.058 million students have received support, with more than N184 billion disbursed for tuition and upkeep.

The programme has been widely regarded as one of the administration’s most impactful interventions, helping thousands of students continue their education despite economic difficulties.

This programme for many represents a landmark reform capable of transforming access to higher education in Nigeria. Healthcare has remained a major priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The administration has leveraged the National Health Insurance Authority Act to expand access to health coverage across the country.

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A significant policy step was taken in September 2025 when President Tinubu directed the mandatory implementation of health insurance across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The government has also increased support for primary healthcare delivery through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

Resources have already been allocated to more than 8,000 primary healthcare centres nationwide, with plans to expand coverage to 13,000 facilities.

Officials say the intervention is designed to bring quality healthcare closer to communities, especially in underserved rural areas.

The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, presented an extensive list of projects aimed at improving access to clean water, boosting food production and supporting economic development.

Utsev disclosed that major water supply schemes have been completed and commissioned in Gombe, Damaturu and the Federal Capital Territory.

Additional projects supported through partnerships with development agencies have benefited more than 451,000 Nigerians.

The government also flagged off the Greater Dutse Water Supply Project in Jigawa State, which is expected to serve over 1.5 million residents upon completion.

In the area of dam construction and rehabilitation, several projects have been completed, including the Rafin Yashi Dam in Niger State, Dotu Ape Dam in Kogi State and Amla Dam in Benue State.

These projects provide water for irrigation, domestic use and livestock development.

One of the most significant achievements in the sector is the expansion of hydropower generation.

The Kashimbila Hydropower Plant, with a capacity of 40 megawatts, has been commissioned and is contributing electricity to the national grid.

Combined with the Gurara and Dadin Kowa hydropower projects, the facilities are generating approximately 110 megawatts of clean energy.

Government officials say these investments are helping diversify Nigeria’s energy sources while supporting industrial growth.

The ministry is also pursuing large-scale dam rehabilitation projects in Ogun, Sokoto, Benue and Nasarawa states, while new dam initiatives are being developed along the Sokoto-Badagry corridor to support agriculture, address farmer-herder conflicts and mitigate flooding.

The Tinubu administration has also highlighted progress in anti-corruption efforts.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have continued asset recovery and prosecution activities.

One notable achievement cited by government officials is the recovery of funds used to support educational financing. More than ₦50 billion recovered by the EFCC has reportedly been channelled into NELFUND.

Nigeria also recorded a major international breakthrough when it was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List in October 2025.

The development followed reforms aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering systems and counter-terrorism financing measures.

Officials describe the removal as a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s financial governance framework and regulatory environment.

Security remains one of the most challenging aspects of governance.

The administration acknowledged that insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods in parts of the country.

However, officials insist that significant progress is being made through increased investment in security infrastructure, improved coordination among agencies, enhanced military recruitment and stronger regional cooperation.

The government has continued to strengthen diplomatic partnerships with neighbouring countries and international allies in tackling terrorism, banditry and other transnational threats.

While admitting that the battle is far from over, the administration maintains that institutional responses are becoming more effective and coordinated.

Beyond economic and security concerns, the government has emphasised the importance of national unity.

Initiatives such as support for the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) and the approval of the National Values Charter are intended to promote tolerance, discipline, citizenship and peaceful coexistence.

According to officials, sustainable development can only flourish in an environment of trust and social cohesion.

As the administration enters its fourth year, President Tinubu’s team argues that the foundation for long-term transformation is being laid.

While challenges remain, government officials maintain that the reforms introduced over the last three years are beginning to produce tangible results.