The Federal Government has expressed optimism over Nigeria’s economic trajectory, citing President Bola Tinubu’s reform-driven leadership as instrumental in setting the country on a path of steady recovery. According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, key fiscal and structural reforms are beginning to yield measurable progress, even if the nation has yet to reach its ideal economic destination.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by members and newly elected executives of the Nigerian Guild of Editors at his Abuja office on Wednesday, Idris acknowledged that while Nigerians are still experiencing economic hardship, the direction of travel is positive. “The economy is not yet what we want it to be,” he stated, “but we can see that there is a steady progression. The President has said over and over again that we are turning the corner.”
The Minister noted that even international rating agencies have begun recognizing the policy improvements and macroeconomic recalibrations underway, further validating the government’s claims of a gradual recovery. “All the rating agencies in the world are giving Nigeria some pass marks. We are seeing upward ticks in how our economy is being managed,” Idris affirmed.
At the core of these reforms are two bold policy decisions: the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates. Though these steps have drawn criticism for their short-term inflationary impact, Idris insists they are necessary sacrifices to build a resilient economy.
“These policies are tough, yes, but they are laying the groundwork for a sustainable and competitive economy. We are moving away from consumption-driven decisions to ones that build long-term value,” he explained.
The minister also highlighted President Tinubu’s focus on inclusive social development through initiatives like the Students Loan Scheme, which has already benefited over 300,000 students nationwide. The scheme, according to Idris, aims to bridge educational inequality by supporting underprivileged students with tuition and maintenance costs.
“Over 300,000 Nigerian students who would have been out of school now have the opportunity to continue their education. This is an unprecedented intervention in our education sector,” Idris said.
Touching on national security, the Minister pointed out that the Armed Forces are making “sustained gains” in tackling insurgency, banditry, and other forms of violent criminality. While he acknowledged the complexity of the security challenges, he urged the media to balance reportage by highlighting the sacrifices and successes of security personnel.
“It is not good for us as media practitioners to place premium on criminals and gangsters above our own security forces. We need to boost the morale of our Armed Forces by amplifying their wins,” he said.
Idris also reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to press freedom and responsible journalism. While receiving the Law Reform Report from the Nigerian Guild of Editors, which outlined archaic media laws in need of repeal, the Minister assured that he would engage the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to act on the document.
“Freedom of the press and freedom of expression are the cornerstones of our democracy. We must protect these rights, but also use them responsibly and with patriotism,” Idris said.
He pledged deeper collaboration with the media industry, promising open dialogue and transparency in government communication. In response, the Deputy President of the Guild, Sebastian Abu, emphasized the need to modernize media laws and create a freer, safer environment for journalists to operate.
As Nigeria continues navigating post-pandemic recovery, economic instability, and global headwinds, the Federal Government insists that its reforms, however painful in the short-term, are beginning to reshape the country’s fiscal and developmental outlook.