The Federal Government has welcomed the decision by S&P Global Ratings to upgrade the nation’s sovereign credit rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’ with a Stable Outlook.
𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘺, 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐰𝐨 𝐎𝐲𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞, who announced the development in a statement posted on his X handle, explained latest upgrade by S&P follows similar positive rating actions in 2025 by Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Ratings.
He said the rating further reinforces growing international confidence in Nigeria’s economic reform trajectory, policy consistency, and medium-term growth prospects.
“These independent assessments collectively affirm that the difficult but necessary reforms undertaken under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, are yielding measurable results and laying the foundation for a more stable, transparent, and resilient economy,” he added.
In particular, he said the S&P highlighted improvements in Nigeria’s external position, stronger balance of payments dynamics, increased oil production, expanding domestic refining and export capacity, and the sustained implementation of key macroeconomic reforms including foreign exchange market liberalisation.
The Minister said the agency also recognised ongoing fiscal reforms aimed at broadening the tax base, improving public revenue mobilisation, enhancing fiscal transparency, and strengthening debt sustainability.
Notably, he said Nigeria’s debt-to-revenue ratio has improved significantly since 2023 and is projected to decline further as reforms continue to mature.
“The upgrades by Fitch, Moody’s, and now S&P send a strong signal to global investors, development partners, financial markets, and the international business community that Nigeria is regaining macroeconomic credibility and restoring confidence in the management of its economy.
“The government remains firmly committed to prudent fiscal management, macroeconomic stability, and structural reforms that promote inclusive and sustainable growth. We have maintained our position against the reintroduction of inefficient fuel subsidies which historically created significant fiscal distortions, incentivised smuggling, weakened foreign exchange liquidity, and diverted scarce public resources away from critical national priorities.
“We remain committed to a market-driven economy anchored on transparency, competition, and effective regulatory oversight. Accordingly, the Federal Government will continue to uphold policies that support free enterprise, respect private investment, and provide a stable and predictable environment for businesses and investors to thrive,” Oyedele said.
He said “while these positive ratings developments are encouraging, we recognise that the work ahead remains substantial. We are focused on addressing inflationary pressures, improving food security, expanding decent job opportunities, and ensuring that economic growth translates into meaningful and inclusive prosperity for all Nigerians.
“The Federal, States and Local Governments will continue to implement reforms with discipline, pragmatism, and compassion while maintaining close engagement with citizens and all stakeholders.
“The Federal Government appreciates the resilience, patience, and support of Nigerians in this reform journey. The improving outlook from leading global rating agencies will further position our country to attract investments and enhance the country’s ability to secure financing on more favourable terms. We are strengthened in our resolve to build a stronger economy that is globally competitive, fiscally sustainable, and works for all Nigerians,” he said.
