The Federal Government has acknowledged that the benefits of its economic reforms have yet to sufficiently reach Nigerian households, with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, saying the next priority is to translate improved economic indicators into better living conditions.

Akume, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the 12th Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday, said the government recognised the hardship citizens were experiencing and would continue its reform programme until it produced tangible gains for ordinary Nigerians.

According to him, the administration was targeting a recovery in household incomes through measures expected to improve access to affordable food, employment, infrastructure and healthcare, while providing relief for vulnerable citizens and businesses.

The SGF also appealed to Christian leaders to make peacebuilding part of Nigeria’s national security efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections. He urged them to discourage vote-buying, hate speech and the exploitation of ethnic and religious sentiments, warning that political contests must not threaten national stability.

Akume said the government had recorded intelligence-led security gains, including the rescue in August of 308 abducted persons from Kwara and Niger states, but acknowledged that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence remained major challenges requiring cooperation among security agencies, communities and religious organisations.

He further urged the Church to partner with government on youth empowerment, education, civic responsibility and humanitarian interventions, stressing that religious leaders could use their influence to strengthen social cohesion. “Elections will come and go, but Nigeria must remain,” he said.