By Festus Fifen

Nigeria President Bola Tinubu has responded firmly to President Donald Trump’s recent announcement labeling Nigeria a country of particular concern, coupled with the looming threat of military invasion.

Speaking before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, Tinubu reassured that Nigeria remains resolute in its fight against terrorism despite diplomatic and political challenges.

In his words, “We will defeat terrorism in the country ,”

Tinubu stressed, signaling his commitment to national security and stability.

Though the President acknowledged the political headwinds Nigeria faces, he emphasized continued diplomatic engagement with global partners.

Highlighting a major economic milestone amid tensions the president said “The most important thing is the fact that despite the political headwind and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with our partners. The success of the 2.3 billion euro bond oversubscribed is the most at this stage,” the President noted.

He further appealed for unity and renewed purpose:

“The task ahead is immense but we are resolved to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by renewed hope, an agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria. Thank you very much.”

Speaking Earlier, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, presented an extensive overview of Nigeria’s economic resilience and reform achievements, despite the challenging political climate.

He began by expressing gratitude for support during his recent illness,

According to Edun, Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.23%, the highest in a decade outside the COVID rebound. He observed that 13 sectors recorded growth above 7%, up from nine in the previous quarter, showing broad-based resilience.

” The industrial sector nearly doubled its growth from 3.72% to 7.45%, reflecting rising productivity and investor confidence. Inflation eased to 18% in December, foreign exchange reserves topped $43 billion, and the trade surplus exceeded 7.4 trillion naira, illustrating clear examples of macroeconomic stability.”

He highlighted a critical transformation in consumer spending, explaining that citizens now spend about half of their income on basic needs—food, shelter, and clothing—compared with almost 90% previously.

This signals a country moving from subsistence towards productivity and affluence.

He marked Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list as a major milestone in strengthening financial integrity and confidence. Global leaders at the recent World Bank and IMF annual meetings commended Nigeria’s reforms and progress, with the IMF growth forecast reaching nearly 4% and improved credit ratings.

He stressed that Nigeria remains committed to the vision of a 1 trillion Naira economy by 2030, but to achieve this, output must accelerate to 7% per annum growth by 2027—not only as an economic target but as a moral imperative to end poverty.