Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, addressed foreign media organizations today at an interactive session in Abuja, highlighting the country’s ambitious reforms and commitment to transparency, economic renewal, and stronger international partnerships. This was contained in a statement signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation.
In his remarks, the Minister stated, “We are embarking on the most comprehensive set of structural reforms in decades, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The Minister emphasized that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria has embarked on the most comprehensive set of structural reforms in decades, tackling key sectors including the economy, security, tax, education, infrastructure, and social welfare.
Among the key highlights from the Minister’s address were significant strides in several areas.
• Nigeria’s real GDP grew by 3.87% in 2025, marking a reversal of years of stagnation. For the first time in nearly a decade, economic growth outpaced population growth, signalling renewed momentum in the nation’s economy.
• Fiscal discipline has also been at the forefront, as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate have resulted in significant fiscal savings, which are being redirected to critical infrastructure and improved social services.
• The Minister noted that enhanced intelligence-led security operations have played a significant role in restoring stability across the country. In addition, a new legislative push for state police is helping to return autonomy to local governments, further strengthening Nigeria’s governance framework.
• Major investments in agriculture, education, and youth empowerment are now yielding tangible results for millions of Nigerians. Notably, NELFUND’s interest-free student loans and advancements in digital infrastructure have created new opportunities for the nation’s youth and workforce.
Idris called on the international media to report Nigeria’s story with nuance, reflecting both its serious challenges and credible progress. “Accurate reporting requires holding both truths,” adding, “We welcome robust engagement and partnership with the international media as we chart this course of renewal.”
Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to international collaboration and direct engagement with the global press, noting that robust media relationships are vital to shaping the country’s narrative and supporting its continued transformation.
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, built on this position, explaining that Nigeria’s reform journey has now entered a consolidation phase focused on translating policy gains into real impact for citizens. “We have moved from fragility to stability, and now to consolidation, towards productivity and growth that Nigerians will feel in their daily lives,” he noted, highlighting the importance of fiscal discipline and sustained economic reforms.
In the same vein, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole outlined the government’s strategy to drive economic diversification and position Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s growth. She emphasised that ongoing efforts are geared towards converting reforms into tangible outcomes, including increased investment, expanded trade, and job creation. “Nigeria is not just participating in Africa’s growth. We are positioning ourselves to lead it through trade, investment, and industrialisation,” she said.
The Media Session was attended by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinator of the Economy, Dr Taiwo Oyedele, Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation, Mr Sunday Dare, as well as the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz.
END
