President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful international engagement, declaring that his administration is “engaging the world diplomatically” despite what he described as political headwinds and fear among citizens.
A statement from the State House signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu’s remarks came during Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja — his first public response since reports surfaced that U.S. President Donald Trump had directed preparations for possible military action in Nigeria over alleged religious persecution.
Tinubu said Nigeria remains on a steady growth trajectory, emphasizing that the country’s economic reforms have started to yield measurable results both nationally and internationally.
“The most important thing is the fact that despite the political headwinds and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with partners,” the President said. “The success of the $2.3 billion Eurobond that was oversubscribed by 400% is the most assuring. So, the task ahead is immense; we are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country.”
The President made the comments shortly after swearing in two new ministers — Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro (Humanitarian Affairs) and Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN (Science and Innovation) — urging them to uphold the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We Will Defeat Terrorism and Protect Our People”
Addressing the nation’s security challenges, President Tinubu — who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces — called on Nigerians not to succumb to despair, stressing that the government remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and unity.
“Do we have problems? Yes. Are we challenged by terrorism? Yes. But we will defeat terrorism. We will overcome the CPC designation. Nigeria is one happy family, and we shall spare no effort until we eliminate all criminals from our society,” he said.
The President also appealed to the international community to support Nigeria’s ongoing anti-terrorism efforts, saying,
“We want our friends to help us as we step up our fight against terrorism, and we will eliminate it.”
Tinubu further urged ministers and government officials to maintain message discipline, warning against “discordant communication” that could undermine national cohesion.
Finance Minister Reports Economic Progress
During the meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, briefed the Council on what he described as “one of Nigeria’s strongest economic performances in a decade.”
Edun reported that Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.23% in Q2 2025, marking the highest growth rate in ten years outside the post-COVID rebound. He said thirteen sectors recorded growth above 7%, compared to nine in the previous quarter, while industrial growth nearly doubled from 3.72% to 7.45%.
“Inflation eased to 18.02% in September 2025. Our foreign reserves now stand at $43 billion, and the trade surplus has reached N7.4 trillion,” the minister noted. “These are clear examples of macroeconomic stability.”
He added that Nigerians’ household spending patterns had shifted significantly, signaling improved living conditions.
“Our citizens now spend maybe about half of their income on basic needs, compared with almost 90% previously. This signals a country moving from subsistence towards productivity and affluence,” he said.
$2.35 Billion Eurobond Shows Investor Confidence
Highlighting renewed investor optimism, Edun revealed that Nigeria’s latest $2.35 billion Eurobond issuance was oversubscribed by more than $13 billion, which he said was a testament to “market confidence in the President’s leadership and reform agenda.”
“Despite the political headwinds which we are all aware of, the market shrugged off those political considerations and focused on the economic fundamentals of Nigeria,” Edun explained.
He further pointed to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force Grey List as evidence of strengthened financial integrity, while citing international recognition at the recent World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings, where global leaders commended Nigeria’s progress.
“The reforms under your Renewed Hope Agenda, though bold and sometimes unpopular, are rooted in a clear objective to build a competitive economy that attracts investment, creates jobs, and lifts millions out of poverty,” the minister told the President.
Toward a $1 Trillion Economy
Edun reaffirmed that the government’s target of reaching a $1 trillion economy by 2030 remains achievable through sustained annual growth of 7% and a continued focus on ending poverty.
He urged ministers overseeing infrastructure, mining, education, health, agriculture, blue economy, and digital innovation to collaborate with state governments to identify viable investment projects that meet international standards.
“Every naira must be optimised to sustain momentum amid global liquidity constraints,” he said. “Where there is less funding from multilateral institutions, we must rely on our own resources. The next phase of reforms will remove barriers holding back investors. We will review tariffs and import restrictions to stimulate productivity and investment.”
“We Are Steady, Strong, and Focused”
In his closing remarks, President Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria’s government would not be distracted by external threats or political noise, asserting confidence in the nation’s resilience.
“The task ahead is immense, but it is our resolve to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria,” he said.
The President’s comments — coming amid international tension following Trump’s remarks — send a clear message of diplomatic restraint, economic confidence, and national determination.
