Information Minister Says Nigeria Stable, Resilient Amid Security and Economic Reforms
Nigeria is not on the brink of collapse, the Federal Government said on Wednesday, as the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, defended the country’s security and economic direction and urged the media to report responsibly.
Idris spoke at the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, held at Hawthorn Hotel and Suites in Abuja.
He rejected claims that the country was nearing collapse, saying Nigeria was showing resilience and making measurable progress despite existing challenges.
According to him, the government is addressing security threats with more coordinated military operations and improved intelligence-sharing among security agencies.
The minister cited recent operations in Zamfara and Niger states, where security forces reportedly neutralised bandits and disrupted planned attacks within a short period.
He said large-scale insurgent control had reduced in several parts of the country and added that the government was strengthening intelligence and rapid response systems to protect lives and property.
On the economy, Idris said available indicators pointed to recovery and renewed investor confidence. He stated that reforms in the oil and non-oil sectors were expanding revenue sources, while difficult policy decisions were helping to stabilise public finances and improve transparency.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s recent return to Frontier Market status by FTSE Russell as a sign of renewed international confidence in the economy.
According to the minister, the reclassification reflects improved foreign exchange liquidity, increased market transparency and easier capital repatriation, which could support stronger foreign participation in Nigeria’s capital market.
Idris used the occasion to call on broadcasters and other media professionals to uphold accuracy, fairness and professionalism, especially as the country moves towards another election cycle.
He said broadcasting remained a public trust and stressed the role of the media in informing, educating and uniting Nigerians.
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting a free and responsible media environment, while calling for stronger collaboration between public institutions and media organisations to counter misinformation and promote national cohesion.
He commended the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria for its role in strengthening professionalism in the industry and urged stakeholders to continue supporting democratic development through credible broadcasting.
Idris formally declared the 81st BON General Assembly and Annual General Meeting open, expressing confidence that the gathering would produce practical ideas for the advancement of the broadcasting sector.
The event was attended by key figures in the media and public sector, including the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority and Chairman of BON, as well as heads of other major federal broadcast and regulatory agencies.
