The recent joint military operation between Nigeria and United States allies in Sokoto state on Christmas day must not be misconstrued for waging a war against itself, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister on the Economy, Wale Edun, has said.
Edun, who gave this clarification on Monday in a statement in Abuja, said Nigeria remains firmly on a path of peace, stability, and economic progress, as the country is confronting terrorism.
He reassured investors, analysts, and multilateral partners that Nigeria was not at war with anybody, but decisively confronting terrorism, alongside trusted international partners.
*I wish to reassure the people that this distinction is important, and it is fundamental to understanding the positive economic implications of recent actions,” he said.
The operation in question, he explained, was precise, intelligence-led, and focused exclusively on terrorist elements that threaten innocent lives, national stability, and economic activity.
“Far from destabilising markets or weakening confidence, such actions strengthen the foundations of peace, protect productive communities, and reinforce 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.
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Edun said Nigeria has made tangible and measurable progress on both security and economic reforms.
These gains, he said, were evident in the country’s macroeconomic performance. In the third quarter of 2025, with gross domestic product (GDP) growing at about 3.98%, following a strong 4.23% growth in Q2.
Also, he said a stronger GDP performance was was expected in Q4 2025.
While inflation has decelerated for the seventh consecutive period and now below 15%, the Minister said this was reflecting improving price stability and the effectiveness of coordinated fiscal and monetary actions.
The country’s financial markets remained resilient, with domestic and international debt markets stable and functioning efficiently, supported by prudent fiscal management.
Over the past year, he said Nigeria received credit rating upgrades from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s—clear, independent endorsements of the strength of our reforms and the credibility of the country’s economic direction.
The country, he said, have maintained fiscal discipline, prioritised efficiency, and protected macroeconomic stability —demonstrating resilience in the face of external shocks.
He said the overarching objective for 2026 would be to consolidate the gains of 2025, strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience, and continue building a sustainable, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy.
The actions the government is taking today —on security, reforms, and fiscal discipline—were aligned with the goal of building an inclusive and growth-oriented economy.
He urged investors to be confident that Nigeria remains focused, reform-driven, and committed to stability, adding that the fundamentals were strengthening, the policy direction clear.
The resolve of the present administration, he said, was unwavering, to protect lives, secure prosperity, and grow the economy.
“Nigeria remains open for business, anchored in peace, and firmly focused on the future,” the Minister said.
