President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening global cooperation and intensifying the fight against terrorism, even as political tensions and security concerns mount.
The President made the declaration following a detailed economic briefing by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, during Thursday’s Federal Executive Council meeting. Edun reported that the administration’s economic reforms continue to restore investor confidence and drive significant progress across key sectors.
Tinubu emphasized that his government remains steadfast in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda, despite mounting domestic and international challenges. “The task ahead is immense. But we are resolved to move forward with unity and purpose, to defeat terrorism and build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria,” he said.
Trump’s Threat
The President’s statement came amid escalating tensions following US President Donald Trump’s recent warning to deploy American forces to Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” if the Nigerian government fails to protect Christians from extremist attacks.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump declared on Truth Social.
The New York Times reported that the US military has begun preparing contingency plans for potential airstrikes in Nigeria after Trump instructed the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene.” The plans reportedly include “heavy,” “medium,” and “light” engagement options, outlining varying levels of US military involvement.
In response, Tinubu reaffirmed that Nigeria’s sovereignty and commitment to fighting terrorism remain intact, stressing that ongoing security collaborations with global partners reflect shared priorities, not dependency.
Renewed Economic Confidence
Addressing economic matters, Tinubu hailed the oversubscription of Nigeria’s €2.35 billion Eurobond as evidence of global trust in the nation’s fundamentals, even amid political uncertainties. “Despite the political headwinds and fears, our partners have continued to engage with confidence,” he said.
Minister Edun noted that Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.23 per cent in Q2 2025, marking the strongest growth in a decade outside the post-COVID recovery. He revealed that 13 sectors expanded by more than seven per cent, signaling broad-based economic resilience.
The industrial sector, he added, nearly doubled its growth rate from 3.72 percent to 7.45 percent, reflecting renewed investor interest. Inflation has declined to 18 percent, foreign reserves have risen above $43 billion, and the trade surplus now stands at ₦7.4 trillion.
Edun highlighted that Nigerians now spend about 50 percent of their income on basic needs, compared to 90 percent previously, pointing to improving living standards and purchasing power. He also celebrated Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, calling it a milestone for investor confidence.
According to the minister, global institutions like the IMF and World Bank have responded to the reform momentum with upgraded growth projections and improved credit ratings. He credited these gains to Tinubu’s leadership and the administration’s determination to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
National Tribute
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, announced the deaths of two prominent figures—former minister and senator Solomon Ewuga and retired General Mohammed Abdullahi, a former Chief of Staff under President Olusegun Obasanjo. The Council observed a minute’s silence in their honour.
What You Should Know
President Bola Tinubu continues to push forward with his Renewed Hope Agenda, balancing domestic reforms with global diplomacy amid heightened tensions from President Trump’s military threats.
While Nigeria’s economy shows robust recovery signs—marked by record Eurobond subscriptions, rising reserves, and GDP expansion—Tinubu faces pressure to protect national sovereignty and maintain international trust. His administration’s economic team, led by Wale Edun, has recorded notable progress across multiple sectors.
Meanwhile, Trump’s aggressive rhetoric has introduced a new layer of foreign policy complexity, challenging Nigeria’s ability to assert independence while sustaining global partnerships.
