The Federal Government has assured investors and international partners that Nigeria’s economy remains stable and resilient following a joint security operation by Nigerian and United States forces in Sokoto on Christmas Day.
In a statement released on Monday via X, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described the operation as a targeted, intelligence-driven action against terrorism, stressing that it should not be interpreted as a sign of internal conflict or instability.
The December 25 operation struck ISIS-linked camps in Sokoto State, killing several terrorists without any reported civilian casualties. US President Donald Trump described the strikes as “powerful and deadly” against ISIS elements threatening Christian communities.
Edun emphasised that Nigeria is “not at war with itself, nor with any nation,” but is firmly confronting terrorism in collaboration with trusted international partners.
“In light of recent enquiries following the targeted joint security operation by Nigeria and the US conducted in Sokoto on Christmas Day, I wish to reassure investors, analysts and our multilateral partners that Nigeria is not at war with itself, nor with any nation,” the minister said.
“What Nigeria is decisively confronting—alongside trusted international partners—is terrorism. This distinction is fundamental to understanding the positive economic implications of recent actions.”
According to him, the security operation was precise and focused solely on terrorist elements that threaten lives, national stability and economic activity.
“Far from destabilising markets or weakening confidence, such actions strengthen the foundations of peace, protect productive communities and reinforce the conditions required for sustainable growth,” Edun said, adding that security and economic stability are inseparable.
Highlighting recent economic indicators, the minister noted that Nigeria recorded GDP growth of 3.98 per cent in the third quarter of 2025, following a 4.23 per cent expansion in the second quarter, with stronger performance expected in the fourth quarter.
He also said inflation had eased for the seventh consecutive period, dropping below 15 per cent, reflecting improved price stability and the impact of coordinated fiscal and monetary policies.
On financial markets, Edun said both domestic and international debt markets remained stable, supported by prudent fiscal management. He added that Nigeria had received credit rating upgrades from Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s over the past year, describing them as independent endorsements of the government’s reform agenda.
Looking ahead, the minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic focus for 2026 would be to consolidate the gains of 2025, strengthen resilience and build a sustainable, inclusive, growth-driven economy.
“As markets reopen on Monday, December 29, 2025, investors can be confident that Nigeria remains focused, reform-driven and committed to stability,” Edun said, reaffirming that the country remains open for business.
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