The Federal Government has rejected claims by a coalition of 52 civil society organisations (CSOs) that Nigeria is on the brink of collapse.
The CSOs, including Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), Amnesty International Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), and Yiaga Africa, among others warned that the country faces worsening insecurity, rising poverty, and governance challenges.
However, speaking on Wednesday at the 81st general assembly and 23rd annual general meeting of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the claim that the country is nearing collapse.
“I want to unequivocally refute the insinuation that Nigeria is on the brink. On the contrary, we are daily exhibiting resilience and tackling our security and economic challenges more decisively,” Idris said.
He said the federal government is recording progress in addressing insecurity through coordinated operations.
The minister said, “Coordinated operations by the Armed Forces and other security agencies have led to sustained gains in several parts of the country. Incidents of large-scale insurgent control have significantly decreased, and we are strengthening intelligence and rapid response systems to protect lives and property.”
He said security forces recently carried out successful operations in Zamfara and Niger states, where bandits were killed and planned attacks thwarted.
On the economy, Idris said current indicators show signs of recovery and improving investor confidence.
“Nigeria’s foreign reserves are strengthening, investor confidence is improving, and reforms in both the oil and non-oil sectors are expanding revenue streams. These decisions, though difficult, are stabilising public finances and creating a more transparent economic environment,” he said.
Idris added that Nigeria’s return to frontier market status by FTSE Russell signals renewed global confidence in the country’s economy.
He said, “This development confirms that Nigeria is once again a viable destination for global investment, with international funds expected to increase participation in our capital market.”
He urged broadcasters to uphold professionalism and responsible reporting, especially as the country approaches another election cycle.
The minister also called for stronger collaboration between the government and the media to counter misinformation.
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