The Federal Government of Nigeria has reassured investors, analysts, and multilateral partners that the country is not at war with itself, nor with any nation.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who made the clarification in a statement on Sunday, said it was necessary considering recent enquiries following the targeted joint security operation by Nigeria and the US conducted in Sokoto on Christmas Day,
He assured that the country remains firmly on a path of peace, stability, and economic progress.
“What Nigeria is decisively confronting—alongside trusted international partners—is terrorism. This distinction is important, and it is fundamental to understanding the positive economic implications of recent actions,” he noted.
According to him, the operation in question was precise, intelligence-led, and focused exclusively on terrorist elements that threaten innocent lives, national stability, and economic activity.
“Far from destabilising markets or weakening confidence, such actions strengthen the foundations of peace, protect productive communities, and reinforce the conditions required for sustainable growth,” Mr Edun said.
He affirmed that the security and economic stability are inseparable, noting that every effort to safeguard Nigerians is, by definition, pro-growth and pro-investment.
While stating that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria has made tangible and measurable progress on both security and economic reform, the Minister said these gains are evident in the nation’s macroeconomic performance.
“In the third quarter of 2025, Nigeria recorded GDP growth of 3.98%, following a strong 4.23% growth in Q2.
“We expect a stronger Q4 2025 GDP performance. Inflation has decelerated for the seventh consecutive period and is now below 15%, reflecting improving price stability and the effectiveness of coordinated fiscal and monetary actions.
“Our financial markets remain resilient. Domestic and international debt markets are stable and functioning efficiently, supported by prudent fiscal management,” he said.
Edun maintained that over the past year, Nigeria has received credit rating upgrades from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s—clear, independent endorsements of the strength of its reforms and the credibility of its economic direction.
“We have maintained fiscal discipline, prioritised efficiency, and protected macroeconomic stability—demonstrating resilience in the face of external shocks,” he added.
Edun mentioned that as President Bola Tinubu noted in his address last week, the administration’s overarching objective for 2026 was to consolidate the gains of 2025, strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience, and continue building a sustainable, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy.
“The actions we take today—on security, reforms, and fiscal discipline—are aligned with that goal,” he explained.
The Minister said that as the markets reopen on Monday, 29 December 2025, investors can be confident that Nigeria remains focused, reform-driven, and committed to stability.
“The fundamentals are strengthening, the policy direction is clear, and the resolve of this administration—to protect lives, secure prosperity, and grow the economy—is unwavering,” he concluded.
