Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance has assured investors and market participants that Nigeria’s recent targeted security operation in Sokoto is stabilising, not destabilising, the economy.
In a statement signed by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the ministry clarified that the joint Nigeria-US operation on Christmas Day targeted only terrorist elements threatening lives and economic activity.
“Nigeria is not at war with itself, nor with any nation. What Nigeria is decisively confrontin, alongside trusted international partners, is terrorism,” the statement read.
“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.”
The ministry highlighted the country’s recent macroeconomic performance as evidence of resilience. Nigeria recorded a GDP growth of 3.98% in Q3 2025, following a 4.23% growth in Q2, with inflation decelerating for the seventh consecutive period to below 15%.
“Security and economic stability are inseparable; every effort to safeguard Nigerians is, by definition, pro-growth and pro-investment,” Edun emphasised.
He noted that domestic and international debt markets remain stable, supported by fiscal discipline and efficiency.
The statement further underlined Nigeria’s improving credit standing, with Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s all issuing upgrades in 2025, reflecting international confidence in the country’s reforms and economic direction.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration aims to consolidate these gains in 2026, continuing to build a sustainable, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy, according to Edun.
“As markets reopen, investors can be confident that Nigeria remains focused, reform-driven, and committed to stability,” the Finance Minister added.
“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.”
