The Federal Government has assured investors, financial analysts and international development partners that Nigeria remains peaceful, stable and firmly committed to economic growth, despite concerns arising from a targeted joint security operation carried out in Sokoto on Christmas Day.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, gave the assurance in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, explaining that the operation—conducted in collaboration with United States security agencies—was strictly aimed at terrorist elements threatening national security and economic activity.
Edun said Nigeria, working with trusted international partners, is confronting terrorism decisively, stressing that the context of the operation is critical to understanding its broader economic implications.
He described the Sokoto operation as precise, intelligence-driven and narrowly focused on neutralising terrorist threats to innocent lives, national stability and productive economic activity.
According to him, the action was designed to strengthen security and confidence, not to create uncertainty in financial or investment circles.
“Far from destabilising markets or weakening confidence, such actions reinforce the foundations of peace, protect productive communities and strengthen the conditions required for sustainable growth. Security and economic stability are inseparable; every effort to safeguard Nigerians is, by definition, pro-growth and pro-investment,” the minister said.
Edun noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has recorded measurable progress in security and economic reforms, reflected in improving macroeconomic indicators.
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He said the economy grew by 3.98 per cent in the third quarter of 2025, following a strong 4.23 per cent expansion in the second quarter, adding that a stronger performance is expected in the final quarter of the year. He also disclosed that inflation has eased for the seventh consecutive period and is now below 15 per cent, driven by coordinated fiscal and monetary policies.
The minister said Nigeria’s financial markets remain stable, with domestic and international debt platforms functioning efficiently under prudent fiscal management.
He recalled that the country secured credit rating upgrades from Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s in the past year, describing them as independent validation of the government’s policy direction and reform outcomes.
“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 national address, he said the administration’s focus for 2026 is to consolidate gains recorded in 2025, strengthen economic resilience and sustain momentum toward inclusive and durable growth.
He said ongoing security efforts, economic reforms and fiscal discipline are aligned with that objective.
Edun assured local and foreign investors that as markets reopen on Monday, December 29, 2025, confidence in Nigeria’s economic outlook remains justified.
“As markets reopen, 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 said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s investment outlook, declaring that the country remains open for business, anchored on peace and firmly focused on the future.
