Dare Babalola
The Federal Government has dismissed claims suggesting that Nigeria is on the verge of collapse, insisting that the country remains stable, resilient, and steadily progressing on a path of recovery and growth.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Wednesday at the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria held at the Hawthorn Hotel and Suites in Abuja.
“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,” the minister said.
On security, Idris assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is recording steady progress through ongoing military operations and improved intelligence coordination.
He pointed to recent successful operations in Zamfara State and Niger State, where security forces reportedly neutralised bandits and foiled planned attacks within a short period.
“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.
Speaking on the economy, the minister noted that current indicators point toward recovery and renewed investor confidence, adding that ongoing reforms are beginning to yield positive results.
“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,” Idris stated.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s recent reclassification to Frontier Market status by FTSE Russell as a strong signal of growing global confidence in the economy. According to him, the development reflects improved foreign exchange liquidity, increased market transparency, and enhanced ease of capital repatriation.
“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 added.
The minister urged media practitioners to uphold responsible and accurate reporting, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle. He emphasized the critical role broadcasters play in shaping public perception and promoting national unity.
“The airwaves are a public trust. Broadcasting must continue to inform, educate, and unite our people, while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, and accuracy,” he said.
Idris reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting a free, responsible, and progressive media environment, while calling for stronger collaboration between government and media institutions to curb misinformation and foster national cohesion.
“Difficult moments like this require stronger faith in our country and a deep sense of patriotism, not narratives that create fear or division,” he added.
He commended the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria for its contributions to professionalism in the sector and encouraged stakeholders to continue working together to strengthen a media landscape that supports democracy, development, and unity.
The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to open engagement with citizens as reforms continue to build a more secure and prosperous nation.
The AGM was attended by several prominent figures, including the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan; the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu; the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Nigerian Television Authority; and the Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Comr. Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos.
Others in attendance included the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace; the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Bulama; and the Vice Chairman of BON, Chief Tony Akiotu, alongside other dignitaries.
