Minister of finance, Wale Edun
Federal Government has reassured investors, analysts and international partners that Nigeria remains peaceful, stable and firmly on course for economic growth, despite recent security operations carried out by the United States (US) military in parts of the country.
In a statement addressing concerns over a joint Nigeria–United States security operation conducted in Sokoto on Christmas Day, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, stressed that the country is neither at war with itself nor with any foreign nation.
“Nigeria remains firmly on a path of peace, stability, and economic progress,” the minister said, emphasising that what the government is confronting, in collaboration with trusted international partners, is terrorism.
He explained that the operation was a targeted, intelligence-driven action aimed solely at terrorist elements that pose a threat to innocent lives, national stability and economic activity. According to him, such operations should not be misinterpreted as a sign of instability.
“The operation in question was precise, intelligence-led, and focused exclusively on terrorist elements that threaten innocent lives, national stability, and economic activity,” Edun stated.
He added that rather than unsettling markets or eroding investor confidence, decisive security actions strengthen peace, protect productive communities and create the conditions necessary for sustainable economic growth.
“Security and economic stability are inseparable; every effort to safeguard Nigerians is, by definition, pro-growth and pro-investment,” he noted.
Edun said Nigeria has recorded measurable progress in both security and economic reforms under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, pointing to improved macroeconomic indicators as evidence.
He disclosed that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.98 per cent in the third quarter of 2025, following a stronger 4.23 per cent growth in the second quarter, with expectations of an even better performance in the final quarter of the year.
Inflation, he added, has eased for the seventh consecutive period and is now below 15 per cent, reflecting improved price stability and the impact of coordinated fiscal and monetary policies.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s financial markets remain resilient, with both domestic and international debt markets stable and operating efficiently, supported by prudent fiscal management.
He also revealed that the country has secured credit rating upgrades from Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s within the past year, describing them as independent validations of the strength of ongoing reforms and the credibility of Nigeria’s economic direction.
“We have maintained fiscal discipline, prioritised efficiency, and protected macroeconomic stability—demonstrating resilience in the face of external shocks,” Edun said.
Referencing President Tinubu’s recent address, the minister noted that the administration’s key objective for 2026 is to consolidate the gains of 2025, deepen economic resilience and continue building a sustainable, inclusive and growth-driven economy.
“As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu noted in his address last week, our overarching objective for 2026 is to consolidate the gains of 2025, strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience, and continue building a sustainable, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy,” he stated.
As markets reopen on Monday, December 29, 2025, Edun assured investors that Nigeria remains focused on reforms, stability and long-term growth.
“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 said.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to investors and development partners, declaring that “Nigeria remains open for business, anchored in peace, and firmly focused on the future.”
