Sokoto operation targets terrorism, not nations — Edun reassures investors
The federal government says the recent joint security operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in Sokoto state does not signal instability but rather reflects Nigeria’s resolve to confront terrorism and protect economic activity.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, said the Christmas Day operation was “precise, intelligence-led and focused exclusively on terrorist elements”.
Edun spoke amid concerns from some investors and analysts over the potential market implications of the operation, stressing that Nigeria is neither at war internally nor in conflict with any country.
“Nigeria is not at war with itself, nor with any nation,” the minister said. “What Nigeria is decisively confronting — alongside trusted international partners — is terrorism. This distinction is important, and it is fundamental to understanding the positive economic implications of recent actions.”
He said actions taken to neutralise security threats ultimately strengthen investor confidence by safeguarding communities, production centres and trade routes.
“Far from destabilising markets or weakening confidence, such actions strengthen the foundations of peace, protect productive communities, and reinforce the conditions required for sustainable growth,” Edun said.
“Security and economic stability are inseparable; every effort to safeguard Nigerians is, by definition, pro-growth and pro-investment.”
The minister linked the government’s security posture to recent macroeconomic gains, pointing to sustained growth and easing inflation under the administration of Bola Tinubu.
According to Edun, Nigeria recorded gross domestic product growth of 3.98 percent in the third quarter of 2025, following a stronger 4.23 percent expansion in the second quarter, with expectations of an even better performance in the final quarter of the year.
He added that inflation has slowed for seven consecutive periods and is now below 15 percent, reflecting improved price stability driven by coordinated fiscal and monetary policies.
“These gains are not abstract,” Edun said. “They are measurable outcomes of reforms, discipline and a clear policy direction.”
Edun also said Nigeria’s financial markets remain stable, citing improved performance in both domestic and international debt markets, supported by what he described as prudent fiscal management.
He noted that Nigeria has received credit rating upgrades from Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s over the past year, which he described as independent validation of the country’s reform trajectory.
“We have maintained fiscal discipline, prioritised efficiency, and protected macroeconomic stability — demonstrating resilience in the face of external shocks,” he said.
Looking ahead, the minister said the government’s priority for 2026 is to consolidate the economic gains recorded in 2025 while strengthening resilience and inclusion.
“The actions we take today — on security, reforms, and fiscal discipline — are aligned with our goal of building a sustainable, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy,” Edun said. “Nigeria remains open for business, anchored in peace, and firmly focused on the future,” the minister said.
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