By Our Reporter, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is actively engaging with the international community to strengthen diplomatic relations, attract investments, and consolidate economic stability.
Speaking at Thursday’s meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja, the President said Nigeria remains on a steady path of growth, with clear signs of stability and prosperity as the government’s economic reforms continue to yield positive results both at home and abroad.
The meeting followed the swearing-in of two new ministers—Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN) as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.
“Despite political headwinds and fears among our people, we will continue to engage with our partners,” President Tinubu stated.
“The success of the $2.3 billion Eurobond, oversubscribed by 400%, is a strong signal of global confidence in Nigeria’s economy. The task ahead is immense, but we will defeat terrorism and move forward with unity and purpose under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
‘We’ll Defeat Terrorism’
On national security, the President reiterated his commitment to ending all forms of terrorism and criminality across the country, urging Nigerians not to lose faith.
“Do we have problems? Yes. Are we challenged by terrorism? Yes. But we will defeat it,” he declared.
“Nigeria is one happy family. We will spare no effort until we eliminate all criminals from our society.”
Tinubu also directed government officials to ensure consistent communication and avoid “discordant messaging” that could create confusion among the public.
Economy on the Rise — Edun
During the meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, briefed the Council on Nigeria’s recent economic performance, describing it as one of the strongest in a decade.
According to Edun, the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, marking the highest growth rate in ten years outside the COVID-19 rebound period.
He noted that 13 sectors recorded growth above 7%, up from nine in the previous quarter, while the industrial sector nearly doubled its expansion rate from 3.72% to 7.45%, reflecting rising productivity and investor confidence.
Inflation, Edun added, had eased to 18.02% as of September 2025, with foreign reserves surpassing $43 billion and a trade surplus of ₦7.4 trillion.
“The reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, though sometimes unpopular, are designed to build a competitive economy that attracts investments, creates jobs, and lifts millions out of poverty,” the minister said.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List was a major milestone in strengthening the country’s financial integrity and global credibility.
At the recent World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings, global leaders, he said, commended Nigeria’s reform agenda and the IMF’s revised growth forecast, which now projects nearly 4% growth with improved credit ratings.
$2.35bn Eurobond Shows Investor Confidence
Edun described the country’s $2.35 billion Eurobond issuance, which attracted more than $13 billion in bids, as a clear demonstration of continued investor confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership.
“Despite political headwinds, the market focused on Nigeria’s strong economic fundamentals,” he said.
“Every naira must be optimised to sustain momentum amid global liquidity constraints. Where funding from multilateral sources is limited, we must rely on domestic resources.”
He called on ministers in key sectors — infrastructure, mining, education, health, agriculture, digital innovation, arts, and culture — to collaborate with state governments to design bankable projects capable of attracting investors.
“The next phase of reforms will remove barriers holding back investors. We will review tariffs and import restrictions to boost productivity and investment,” Edun added.
Renewed Hope, Steady Course
Concluding the meeting, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, pledging to sustain reform momentum, strengthen national unity, and ensure inclusive growth.
“The task ahead is immense,” he said, “but together we will build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria.”
