We’ll defeat terrorism, sustain economic growth — Tinubu assures FEC. By Lai Gidado
We’ll defeat terrorism, sustain economic growth — Tinubu assures FEC
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria remains firmly on a path of economic recovery, growth, and global re-engagement, driven by bold reforms that have continued to yield measurable results.
Speaking at Thursday’s meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held at the State House, Abuja, the President said Nigeria’s economy is gaining national and international confidence, with clear signs of stability and prosperity on the horizon.
The meeting followed the swearing-in of two new ministers; Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro, who now heads the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN), assigned to the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, he said President Tinubu charged both appointees to be diligent and result-oriented in their duties.
On the economy, the President expressed confidence that Nigeria’s reform-driven policies were restoring global investor trust, citing the country’s recent $2.3 billion Eurobond success, which was oversubscribed by 400 per cent.
“Despite political headwinds and fear among our people, we will continue to engage with partners,” Tinubu said.
“The success of the Eurobond is most assuring. We are engaging the world diplomatically, and we will defeat terrorism in this country,” the President stated.
He noted that the ongoing engagement with global allies was part of a broader plan to strengthen economic and security ties.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as the compass guiding Nigeria’s economic and social transformation.
According to him, the objective remains clear: to build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient nation.
On national security, Tinubu urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the country’s challenges.
He reaffirmed that the government would not rest until terrorism and other forms of criminality were completely eradicated.
“Do we have problems? Yes. Are we challenged by terrorism? Yes. But we will defeat terrorism,” he assured.
The President called on all ministers and government officials to ensure consistent communication with the public and to avoid conflicting statements that could undermine public trust or policy direction.
“Nigeria is one happy family, and we shall spare no effort until we eliminate all criminals from our society,” he added.
During the session, Tinubu directed the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, to brief the Council on the nation’s current economic outlook.
Presenting the report, Edun described the country’s recent macroeconomic performance as one of the most impressive in a decade, crediting the President’s reform agenda for driving growth and investor confidence.
He revealed that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.23 per cent in the second quarter of 2025, the highest in ten years outside the post-COVID rebound, while 13 sectors recorded growth above seven per cent, up from nine in the previous quarter.
According to him, the industrial sector nearly doubled its growth rate from 3.72 to 7.45 per cent, inflation declined to 18.02 per cent as of September 2025, foreign exchange reserves climbed to over $43 billion, and the country recorded a trade surplus of N7.4 trillion.
“These are clear signs of macroeconomic stability,” Edun said. “Citizens now spend about half of their income on basic needs such as food and shelter, compared with almost 90 per cent previously.
This signals a shift from subsistence to productivity and growing affluence.”
The minister further projected that Nigeria could achieve a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030 through sustained seven per cent annual growth and a moral commitment to ending poverty.
He also hailed the country’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, describing it as “a major milestone in strengthening financial integrity and investor confidence.”
Highlighting the success of the $2.35 billion Eurobond issuance, which attracted over $13 billion in bids, Edun said the development confirmed investor faith in Nigeria’s economic fundamentals.
“Despite political headwinds, investors focused on the strength of Nigeria’s economy,” he stated.
He called on ministries overseeing sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, mining, the blue economy, and digital innovation to work with state governments to develop bankable projects capable of attracting private capital.
“Every naira must be optimised to sustain momentum amid global liquidity constraints,” Edun emphasised.
“The next phase of reforms will remove barriers holding back investors, while tariff and import policies will be reviewed to boost productivity and investment.”
The FEC meeting underscored President Tinubu’s determination to deepen reforms, sustain economic recovery, and strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and security posture on the global stage.
