The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has declared that Nigeria is firmly emerging from years of economic and security strain, insisting that the reforms undertaken by President Bola Tinubu’s administration are yielding measurable results across key sectors.
Speaking at his end-of-year press briefing on Monday, Idris said the outgoing year marked a decisive phase of recovery, while 2026 would focus on consolidation and shared prosperity.
“I stand before you today on the directive of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to review the outgoing year, account for the trust Nigerians placed in this administration, and present an unequivocal blueprint for the year ahead,” he said.
Idris began the briefing by announcing the successful rescue of all remaining abducted pupils and teachers of St Mary’s Catholic School, Paikoro, Niger State, describing it as a major security breakthrough.
“The remaining abducted schoolchildren and their teachers, 130 of them, have all been rescued and handed over to the Niger State Government. This brings the total number to 230. No one is left in captivity,” he said.
He added that victims abducted from churches and other locations had also been reunited with their families.
“Let me reassure Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the security agencies to ensure this does not happen again, and where it unfortunately happens, there will be full disclosure and a swift response,” Idris said.
He stressed that the Federal Government sympathised with affected families.
“In this joyous season, the Federal Government empathises with the parents for the anguish caused and wishes them healing, peaceful reunions and compliments of the season,” he said.
Reviewing economic indicators, the minister said Nigeria recorded notable improvements in 2025.
“Our Gross Domestic Product grew by 3.98 per cent in the third quarter of 2025, demonstrating resilient and sustained expansion in the non-oil sector,” Idris said.
He added:“Headline inflation has now declined for eight consecutive months to 14.45 per cent in November 2025, with food inflation also on a steady downward trend.”
According to him, Nigeria’s external reserves rose to approximately $44.56 billion, while the country recorded a ₦6.69 trillion trade surplus in the third quarter of 2025.
“This represents a 27.29 per cent year-on-year growth, while the Purchasing Managers’ Index shows 12 consecutive months of expansion in economic activity,” he said.
Idris said investor confidence had strengthened, citing Nigeria’s massively oversubscribed Eurobond issuance.
“We recorded a 400 per cent oversubscription on a $2.3 billion Eurobond target, demonstrating strong investor confidence in our macroeconomic reforms,” he said.
He also announced Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
“This marks the beginning of a new reputational and operational chapter for Nigeria’s financial sector. Our capacity to trade internationally and our global reputation have been restored,” he said.
On power generation, Idris disclosed that Nigeria reached a historic peak.
“On March 4, 2025, Nigeria recorded its highest-ever daily energy output of 123 megawatt-hours,” he said.
He added that 2025 saw the launch of the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme, alongside the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture with ₦1.5 trillion.
“This is the biggest single boost to agricultural financing in our recent history,” he noted.
The minister said the Federal Government committed over ₦1.5 trillion to road infrastructure in 2025.
“At the heart of this effort are four legacy highway projects designed to unlock new economic corridors across the country,” he said.
These include the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, Trans-Saharan Highway, and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Expressway, which he said were being built with reinforced concrete designed to last up to 100 years.
Idris said youth empowerment was a major focus of the administration.
“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has supported over 788,000 students with interest-free loans amounting to over ₦150 billion,” he said.
He added: “The president’s desire is that no young Nigerian should be denied education because of inability to pay tuition or upkeep.”
He also highlighted the Student Venture Capital Grant, offering up to ₦50 million in equity-free funding, the IDICE digital and creative enterprise programme, and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative.
“We are turning our brightest minds into job creators, not job seekers,” Idris said.
On security, the minister said President Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency in 2025.
“This will translate into massive recruitment into the armed forces and police, as well as the deployment of trained forest guards,” he said.
He confirmed the capture of senior ISWAP leaders.
“Two of the most internationally wanted criminals, including Abu Bara, have been captured through coordinated security operations. They are now facing justice,” Idris said.
He added: “Any group or individual that kidnaps our children or terrorises our communities is now officially classified as a terrorist. The era of ambiguous nomenclature is over.”
Idris said Nigeria’s international standing had improved significantly.
“Nigeria is no longer on the sidelines. We are a confident and strategic partner on the global stage,” he said.
He confirmed the signing of a $5.18 billion health cooperation agreement with the United States, noting that Nigeria would contribute $3 billion while the US provides $2.18 billion in grants.
“This is the largest co-investment under America’s global health strategy, and it benefits all Nigerians, regardless of religion,” he said.
He also announced Nigeria’s return to the International Maritime Organisation Council after 40 years and the country securing hosting rights for major global events, including CANEX 2026, IATF 2027, and the World Public Relations Forum 2026.
Idris described the ₦58.18 trillion 2026 Budget as historic.
“It features the largest-ever capital expenditure of ₦26.08 trillion and the biggest allocation to defence and security at ₦5.41 trillion,” he said.
He added that new tax reform laws would take effect in 2026.
“These reforms will usher in an era of accountability in revenue generation and prudent government expenditure,” Idris said.
Concluding, the minister said Nigeria’s trajectory was irreversible.
“The temporary pains of reform are yielding permanent gains. President Tinubu’s vision is big, his strategy is unambiguous, and his resolve is unshakeable,” he said.
He added:“If you want to counter us, counter us with facts, not emotions. Nigeria is truly on the rise.”
Boluwatife Enome
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