* Says end to abduction of schoolchildren in sight
Citizenship News
With the successful rescue of all the abducted Niger schoolchildren in Niger State, the Federal Government is upbeat that no Nigerian child will suffer the same fate going forward.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, gave the indication at the end of year press conference in Abuja on Monday.
He disclosed also that Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States for a five-year, bilateral health cooperation worth $5.1 billion.
By the agreement, the minister said the American government will provide $2.1 billion in grant funding, while Nigeria commits $3 billion.
“This has been described as the largest co-investment by any country to date under the America First Global Health Strategy.
“It will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives, and attract investment,” he stated.
While expressing regret over the kidnap of the 230 Niger schoolchildren, the Minister restated President Bola Tinubu declaration that any organisation or group that engages in any criminal activity will be branded a terrorist group.
“Let me be clear about what this means: That henceforth, any armed group that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers, or terrorises our communities is officially classified and will be dealt with as a terrorist organisation. The era of ambiguous nomenclature is over!” he declared.
Alhaji Idris recalled that President Tinubu this year, declared a nationwide security emergency, which will lead to massive recruitment people into the armed forces and the police force, as well as deployment of trained and equipped Forest Guards to secure the nation’s forests and other vulnerable locations.
“We have also established, in 2025, a new national counterterrorism doctrine—anchored on four critical pillars: unified command, intelligence, community stability, and counterinsurgency,” the minister said.
He added that contrary to the insinuations that the American government has turned its back on Nigeria, the $5.1 billion health agreement is an indication that the US is collaborating with Nigeria.
“The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been resolved through firm, respectful engagement, culminating in a strengthened partnership.
“Indeed, Nigeria is no longer on the sidelines; we are a confident and strategic partner on the global stage, defending our national interests and attracting beneficial partnerships,” he said.
The minister used the opportunity to present the administration’s score card for the outgoing year.
According to him, Nigeria regained her Category C seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, after 14 years of absence.
“Also in 2025, various Nigerians assumed significant international positions across various sectors, including Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation, Executive Director of the World Health Organisation’s Health Emergencies Programme, Vice Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council, and Vice President of the International Association for Ports and Harbours in Tokyo.
“Additionally, this year we secured hosting rights for the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) 2026, and the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027, one of the largest trade gatherings on the African continent,” the minister stated.
He said the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.98% in the third quarter of 2025, which he added, is a demonstration of resilient and sustained expansion in the non-oil sector.
“Our external reserves have strengthened to approximately $44.56 billion, providing a robust buffer that stabilises our currency and assures international investors.
“Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of N6.69 trillion in the third quarter of 2025, a 27.29 percent growth year-on-year.
“The most recent Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data – an important measure of business sentiment – indicates that Nigeria has now seen 12 consecutive months of expansion in economic activities,” he added.
Alhaji Idris stated that Nigeria recorded a maximum daily energy of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh) nationwide, on March 4, and said it is highest in the nation’s history.
“Also in the power sector, 2025 saw the kick-off of the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), as well as the issuance of the first Bond under the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme, the single largest coordinated financial intervention in the history of our power sector,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the nation’s Eurobond was oversubscribed by over 400% of the targeted $2.3 billion, which he added, was a demonstration of strong investor confidence in the administration’s macroeconomic reforms.
“Nigeria exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, reflecting sustained and coordinated reforms in combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other financial crimes, and marking the start of a new reputational and operational chapter for our financial sector,” the minister said.
