President Bola Tinubu has responded to United States President, Donald Trump’s recent statement labeling Nigeria a “country of particular concern” and warning of possible military action, declaring that Nigeria remains resolute in its fight against terrorism and committed to national stability.
Speaking before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, Tinubu reassured Nigerians and the international community that the country would not be intimidated by external threats. We will defeat terrorism in the country,” Tinubu vowed, emphasizing his administration’s determination to protect the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria despite what he described as “political headwinds and fears among the people.”
The President also highlighted the importance of maintaining diplomatic engagement with global partners while advancing the nation’s economic goals. He pointed to the success of Nigeria’s €2.35 billion Eurobond issuance, which was oversubscribed, as evidence of strong investor confidence in the country’s reform agenda.
“The most important thing is that despite the political headwind and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with our partners,” Tinubu said. “The success of the €2.35 billion Eurobond, which was oversubscribed, is proof that Nigeria remains an attractive destination for global investors.”
The President further called for unity and collective effort to overcome national challenges, stating that his “Renewed Hope Agenda” is anchored on prosperity, inclusiveness, and resilience.
“The task ahead is immense, but we are resolved to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by renewed hope to build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria,” he added.
During the meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, presented an extensive overview of Nigeria’s economic performance and resilience under Tinubu’s reform-driven leadership.
Edun began by expressing appreciation to the President and cabinet members for their support during his recent illness before outlining key achievements in fiscal and macroeconomic management.
He noted that Nigeria’s economy recorded 4.23 percent GDP growth in the second quarter of 2025, the highest in a decade outside the post-COVID rebound, with 13 sectors posting growth above seven percent. The industrial sector nearly doubled its growth from 3.72 to 7.45 percent, signaling renewed productivity and investor confidence.
Inflation, Edun added, has eased to 18 percent, while foreign reserves climbed to $43 billion and trade surplus hit N7.4 trillion, underscoring macroeconomic stability.
The Minister described a shift in household spending patterns, saying Nigerians now spend about half of their income on basic needs, compared with nearly 90 percent previously, a sign of rising consumer confidence and improving living standards.
He also announced that Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list has bolstered international confidence in the country’s financial systems. The achievement, he said, was recognised at the recent World Bank and IMF annual meetings, where global leaders commended Nigeria’s economic reforms.
On the Eurobond issuance, Edun said the overwhelming investor response reflected international faith in President Tinubu’s leadership and reform agenda.
“The €2.35 billion bond issuance, with an order book peaking at over $13 billion, is a testament to continued investor confidence in our country and our reform path despite political headwinds,” he stated.
Looking forward, Edun outlined an ambitious vision to grow Nigeria’s economy to N1 trillion by 2030, requiring annual growth of at least seven percent by 2027.
Achieving this, he said, would require mobilising both domestic and foreign investment into critical sectors such as infrastructure, mining, agriculture, health, education, blue economy, and digital innovation.
He urged ministers overseeing key sectors to collaborate with state governments to develop investment-ready projects capable of attracting large-scale capital inflows.
Edun also cautioned that global liquidity constraints mean Nigeria must maximise its internal resources and optimise every Naira spent.
“Every Naira must count,” he warned. “With less funding coming from multilateral institutions, we must depend on our own creativity and efficiency to sustain momentum.”
The Minister disclosed that a comprehensive review of the Federation’s and Federal Government’s balance sheets is underway to strengthen fiscal discipline, improve budget realism, and ensure the benefits of reforms reach ordinary Nigerians.
The FEC meeting, which continued after Edun’s presentation, reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s twin commitment to national security and economic renewal amid global diplomatic challenges.
The sun
