The Federal Government says Nigeria’s economy is on a path of steady recovery under President Bola Tinubu, attributing the progress to the administration’s broad reforms.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the comment on Wednesday in Abuja during a visit by members and newly elected executives of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Idris acknowledged that while Nigeria’s economy was not yet in “El-dorado”, the country was recording tangible progress. He added that international rating agencies were beginning to acknowledge the economic direction.
“The economy is not yet what we want it to be but we can see that there is a steady progression. The President has said over and over again that we are turning the corner. I know that many people will say it’s not yet El-dorado. Yes! I also agree but you cannot always say that there is no progress.
“Even all the rating agencies in the world are also giving Nigeria some pass marks. We are seeing some upward ticks in the way our economy is being managed,” he said.
He cited major reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates as key policies already showing positive results.
He explained that although these measures are tough, they are part of a broader plan to stabilise and grow the economy over time.
Idris also described the Students Loan Scheme as a major social investment initiative of the administration, noting that about 300,000 students are currently benefiting.
“Because of this deliberate, intentional policy of the government, over 300,000 Nigerian students who hitherto were out of school or could have been out of school, now have the opportunity to be in school because the government is paying for their tuition and upkeep. This is unprecedented,” Idris stated.
Speaking on security, Idris said the government was making “sustained successes” in addressing violent crime and restoring peace in troubled areas.
He urged the media to support the military and other security agencies, warning against giving prominence to criminal groups.
“I have always said that it is not good for us as media practitioners to place emphasis or premium on these criminals, gangsters and terrorists or bandits or whatever they are, over and above the citizens of this country,” he said.
He said news coverage should highlight the courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s security personnel alongside any challenges.
“We must amplify these achievements, particularly in the context of condemning the actions of criminal groups and motivating the Armed Forces,” Idris said.
He acknowledged that the media plays a role in holding government accountable but called for balanced reporting that includes the government’s successes.
He promised to review the Law Reform Report presented by the Guild and work with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation to address outdated legal provisions.
Idris restated the administration’s commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression, describing them as “the cornerstone of the nation’s democracy.”
He encouraged media professionals to exercise their rights with patriotism and responsibility, and assured the Guild of the government’s readiness to partner closely with the media.
Earlier, Deputy President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Sebastian Abu, said the delegation presented the Law Reform Committee’s report to highlight outdated laws that need revision or repeal to promote a freer media environment.