Nigeria’s Problems Did Not Begin With Tinubu’s Government, Says SGF Akume

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has urged Nigerians to take a broader view of the country’s challenges, stressing that the difficulties confronting the nation predate the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking at recent public engagements, Akume emphasised that it would be unfair to place the blame for Nigeria’s economic and social struggles solely on the present government.

He noted that the administration inherited several longstanding issues across critical sectors, including healthcare, security, and infrastructure, which had already been marked by stagnation and persistent challenges.

“The problems we are facing did not begin with this government,” Akume said, pointing to systemic weaknesses that have built up over decades. “What President Tinubu’s administration met on ground was a country with structural bottlenecks, declining public services, and security threats. Our focus now is to confront them head-on and change the narrative.”

He cited the health sector as an example, recalling how Tinubu’s government inherited a system struggling with inadequate funding, poor facilities, and manpower shortages. Similarly, he referenced the fight against insecurity, noting that although progress has been made in reclaiming local governments once controlled by insurgents, the roots of insecurity run deep and cannot be erased overnight.

Akume’s remarks appear to form part of a broader effort by the government to manage public expectations as Nigerians grapple with high inflation, rising cost of living, and pressure on public services. By acknowledging the historical weight of these problems, the SGF sought to place current hardships within a wider national context.

However, the comments are likely to stir debate. While supporters of the administration see them as a fair reminder of Nigeria’s complex challenges, critics argue that Nigerians are more concerned with solutions than excuses.

For them, what matters is not the origin of the problems but the urgency of addressing them.

Akume reassured citizens that Tinubu remains committed to reforms that will gradually rebuild the economy and restore public confidence.

He also called for patience and collective responsibility, stressing that sustainable change will require time, consistency, and cooperation between government and citizens.

The SGF’s intervention underscores the difficult balancing act facing the administration: acknowledging inherited burdens while convincing the public that effective remedies are underway.