Inside Tinubu’s Diplomatic And Economic Push For A Stable Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and consolidating economic stability, declaring that the country’s reform efforts are gaining firm global and domestic traction.

Speaking during Thursday’s meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja, the President said his administration remains resolute in engaging with partners around the world to advance national development, sustain investor confidence, and secure the nation.

The President made the remarks after swearing in two new ministers—Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN) as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology—charging them to bring renewed energy to their portfolios in line with his administration’s development agenda.

“The most important thing is that despite the political headwinds and the fears of our people, we will continue to engage with partners,” Tinubu said. “The success of the $2.3 billion Eurobond that was oversubscribed by 400 percent is the most assuring. 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.”

He urged members of his cabinet to maintain consistency in their public communication and ensure that all messaging reflects the government’s unified direction under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The President also reassured citizens of his administration’s determination to secure every part of the country, describing national unity as a non-negotiable goal.

“Do we have problems? Yes. Are we challenged by terrorism? Yes. But we will defeat terrorism,” he declared. “Nigeria is one happy family, and we shall spare no effort until we eliminate all criminals from our society. We want our friends to help us as we step up our fight against terrorism, and we will eliminate it.”

During the meeting, the President directed the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to present a detailed brief on the state of the economy. Edun reported that the economy has shown strong signs of recovery, with growth and investor confidence strengthening across key sectors.

He stated that Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025—the highest rate in a decade outside the COVID-19 rebound—while thirteen sectors recorded growth above seven percent, up from nine in the previous quarter. The industrial sector, he added, nearly doubled its performance from 3.72 percent to 7.45 percent, reflecting improved productivity and sustained confidence from both local and foreign investors.

According to the minister, inflation eased to 18.02 percent in September 2025, foreign reserves rose above $43 billion, and the trade surplus reached N7.4 trillion. “These are clear examples of macroeconomic stability,” Edun said, noting that the average Nigerian household now spends about half of its income on basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing—compared with nearly 90 percent in previous years—signalling a gradual shift from subsistence to productivity.

He further highlighted the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List as a milestone achievement that has bolstered financial integrity and investor trust. Edun added that global financial institutions, including the World Bank and IMF, have commended Nigeria’s reform efforts and raised the country’s growth projections in light of its economic turnaround.

The finance minister said the successful issuance of a $2.35 billion Eurobond, which attracted over $13 billion in investor interest, was further proof of the market’s confidence in Nigeria’s fundamentals and President Tinubu’s leadership. “Despite the political headwinds, the market focused on the economic fundamentals of Nigeria,” he stated.

Edun emphasised the importance of mobilising domestic resources and promoting collaboration between federal and sub-national governments to accelerate project delivery in critical sectors such as infrastructure, mining, education, health, agriculture, and digital innovation. He said the next phase of reforms would focus on removing barriers that deter investment, reviewing tariffs, and improving productivity.

In his closing remarks, President Tinubu reaffirmed that his administration will continue to engage the world diplomatically, deepen reforms, and drive the economy toward sustainable growth. He said the path ahead remains demanding, but the goal is clear—to build a secure, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria driven by unity, purpose, and renewed hope.