The Federal Government has dismissed claims that Nigeria is on the verge of collapse, insisting instead that the country is demonstrating resilience and making measurable progress toward recovery and growth.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this assertion during the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) held in Abuja.
“I want to unequivocally refute the insinuation that Nigeria is on the brink,” Idris said. “On the contrary, we are daily exhibiting resilience and tackling our security and economic challenges more decisively.”
Security Gains Highlighted
Addressing concerns over insecurity, the Minister said ongoing military operations and enhanced intelligence coordination are yielding tangible results. He pointed to recent operations in Zamfara and Niger States, where security forces successfully neutralised bandits and thwarted planned attacks.
According to him, coordinated efforts among the Armed Forces and other security agencies have significantly reduced large-scale insurgent activities, while strengthening rapid response systems to safeguard lives and property.
Economic Recovery Signals
On the economic front, Idris noted that key indicators suggest a gradual recovery and renewed investor confidence. He said reforms across both oil and non-oil sectors are improving revenue generation and stabilising public finances.
“Nigeria’s foreign reserves are strengthening, investor confidence is improving, and ongoing reforms are creating a more transparent economic environment,” he stated.
He also referenced Nigeria’s recent return to Frontier Market status by FTSE Russell as evidence of growing global confidence. The reclassification, he explained, reflects improved foreign exchange liquidity, increased market transparency, and easier capital repatriation—factors expected to attract more international investment.
Call for Responsible Media
The Minister urged media practitioners to uphold professionalism and accuracy, particularly as the country moves closer to another election cycle. He stressed the critical role of broadcasters in shaping public perception and fostering unity.
“The airwaves are a public trust. Broadcasting must inform, educate, and unite our people,” he said.
Idris reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting a free but responsible media environment and called for stronger collaboration between authorities and media institutions to combat misinformation and promote national cohesion.
Commitment to Reform and Engagement
He assured Nigerians that the government would continue to engage transparently while implementing reforms aimed at building a more secure and prosperous nation.
The Minister also commended BON for promoting professionalism in the broadcasting sector and expressed optimism that the assembly would generate practical solutions to strengthen the industry.
The event drew key stakeholders, including leaders from electoral, broadcasting, and regulatory institutions, underscoring the importance of media in Nigeria’s democratic and developmental journey.