PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening global cooperation and intensifying the fight against terrorism and other security threats across Nigeria.
Speaking at the State House yesterday after an economic briefing from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, President Tinubu said the government remains steadfast in advancing its Renewed Hope Agenda despite mounting political and security challenges.
“The task ahead is immense. But we are resolved to move forward with unity and purpose, to defeat terrorism and build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria,” he declared.
Tinubu’s assurance came amid renewed global attention following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to deploy American forces to Nigeria if the country fails to curb what he described as the killing of Christians by Islamist extremists.
Trump, in a statement on Truth Social, warned that the U.S. could “go in guns-a-blazing” to “wipe out” the perpetrators of such attacks, adding that the Department of War had been instructed to prepare for potential military action.
Reports from The New York Times indicated that the Pentagon was already developing multiple airstrike plans in line with Trump’s directive.
Reacting to the development, Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s sovereignty and determination to overcome its internal security issues without external interference.
He maintained that his administration’s focus remains on stabilizing the nation through reform-driven governance, security modernization, and economic revitalization.
During the same Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Finance Minister Wale Edun presented updates showing positive economic momentum despite ongoing pressures.
He reported that Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025 — the highest rate in a decade outside ...-COVID rebound — with 13 sectors recording over seven percent growth.
The industrial sector, he noted, nearly doubled its performance from 3.72 to 7.45 percent, underscoring renewed investor interest and rising productivity.
Edun further disclosed that inflation had fallen to 18 percent as of December, while foreign reserves rose above $43 billion, and trade surplus reached ₦7.4 trillion.
He also highlighted improved consumer spending, with Nigerians now allocating about half their income to basic needs compared to 90 percent previously, signaling gradual improvement in living standards.
He cited the oversubscription of Nigeria’s €2.35 billion Eurobond, which drew over $13 billion in investor orders, as proof of strong global confidence in the nation’s economy and Tinubu’s leadership.
Edun added that Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and upgraded projections from the IMF and World Bank further validated the administration’s reform efforts.
Looking ahead, Edun emphasized the government’s goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030, with an annual growth target of seven percent by 2027.
He urged ministries overseeing infrastructure, mining, agriculture, health, and education to collaborate with state governments in packaging projects capable of attracting large-scale private investments.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, informed the council of the passing of two notable Nigerians — former Minister and Senator Solomon Ewuga, and retired General Mohammed Abdullahi, who once served as Chief of Staff under President Olusegun Obasanjo and as pioneer Director-General of the Nigerian Security Organisation. The Council observed a minute’s silence in their honour.