The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says Nigeria is fully prepared to protect its citizens from terrorists and other criminal elements, in strict compliance with internationally accepted Rules of Engagement.
The Minister stated this at the End-of-Year Press Briefing while responding to concerns surrounding the Federal Government’s new counterterrorism doctrine, which classifies all armed groups operating outside state authority as terrorists. These include bandits, militias, armed gangs, and their political or community enablers.
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According to Idris, Nigeria has a responsibility to defend itself while adhering to the highest global standards of engagement.
He noted that the Armed Forces are professionally trained, work closely with international partners, and strictly observe operational protocols in confronting terrorists. He commended the military for maintaining professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Reviewing the achievements of the administration in 2025, the Minister said the government prioritised restoring macroeconomic stability and rebuilding confidence in the economy. He disclosed that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.98 per cent in the third quarter of 2025, driven largely by sustained expansion in the non-oil sector.
He added that inflationary pressures were brought under control, with headline inflation declining for eight consecutive months to 14.45 per cent in November 2025, while food inflation also recorded a steady downward trend.
Idris further revealed that Nigeria’s external reserves rose to approximately $44.56 billion, strengthening the country’s ability to stabilise its currency and reassure international investors. Trade performance also improved significantly, with a trade surplus of N6.69 trillion recorded in the third quarter of 2025, representing a 27.29 per cent year-on-year increase.
He said investor confidence was further demonstrated by a massively oversubscribed Eurobond issuance that attracted orders amounting to 400 per cent of the $2.3 billion target.
The Minister stressed that economic reforms were closely linked to infrastructure development, noting that economic growth is dependent on the strength of supporting infrastructure.
He disclosed that Nigeria recorded its highest-ever daily energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours on March 4, 2025, alongside the rollout of the Presidential Metering Initiative and the issuance of the first bond under the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme.
On transportation, Idris said the Federal Government invested over N1.5 trillion in road infrastructure in 2025 alone, the largest such investment in the country’s history. He explained that the investment is anchored on four legacy highway projects: the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Trans-Saharan Highway, and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Expressway.
He noted that the roads are being constructed with reinforced concrete pavement designed to last between 50 and 100 years, reducing maintenance costs and boosting local content.
The Minister acknowledged that while reforms initially brought challenges, they are now yielding long-term benefits.
He assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to consolidating stability, safeguarding the nation, empowering the youth, and creating opportunities for all citizens.
He also disclosed that economic reforms extended to agriculture, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approving the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture with N1.5 trillion, describing it as the largest single boost to agricultural financing in recent history.
Idris used the occasion to confirm the successful release of all 230 abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State. He said the development marked the end of a distressing episode and reaffirmed the government’s determination to protect Nigerians. He expressed sympathy with the families of the pupils and wished them a peaceful reunion and healing ahead of the Christmas celebrations.
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According to the Minister, 2025 was a year of reinforcing national foundations, while 2026 would focus on building a secure, competitive and prosperous Nigeria on that foundation.