By: ThinkBusiness Africa
Following the surprise Christmas Day US military strike on a terrorist hideout in Sokoto state, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said to investors on Sunday that the nation remains a “stable and reform-driven” destination for global capital.
The joint precision strike was conducted by the Nigerian and United States (US) forces in Sokoto State. The operation, which targeted Islamic State (ISIS) enclaves, had initially sparked concerns regarding regional stability and potential sectarian tensions.
According to a statement from the ministry of finance, Minister Edun emphasized that the military action was not a sign of internal conflict but a “decisive” move against global terror.
“Nigeria is not at war with itself, nor with any nation,” Edun stated. “What Nigeria is confronting—alongside trusted international partners—is terrorism.” He said.
The operation, which reportedly utilized Tomahawk missiles launched from the U.S. Navy vessels in the Gulf of Guinea, eliminated terrorist (ISIS) elements in the Bauni forest in Sokoto State.
U.S President Donald Trump said the terrorists were planning on attacking innocent Christians. The Nigerian foreign ministry said they provided the intelligence for the operation.
Edun described the strikes as “intelligence-led” and argued that such security measures are necessary, as they protect the productive communities and infrastructure necessary for long-term investment.
“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.” The minister emphasized.
To bolster investor confidence before markets reopen on Monday, the Minister highlighted Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability achieved this year.
Nigeria has moved from an average 2% quarterly GDP growth in 2024 to 4% in 2025. In third quarter (Q3) 2025, the West African nation recorded a growth rate of 3.98%, following a 4.23% expansion in Q2; with over 4% projection for Q4. The Finance Minister has set an ambitious medium-term target of 7% annual GDP growth.
Inflation has decelerated for seven consecutive months. In November inflation eased to 14.45% from peak 34% in 2024; now sitting below the government 15% target level.
The Minister noted recent credit rating upgrades from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s, calling them “independent endorsements” of the administration’s reform agenda.
Earlier in November, S&P global rating agency upgraded Nigeria’s sovereign credit outlook from ‘stable’ to ‘positive’ citing a sustained economic reform agenda being implemented.
“We have maintained fiscal discipline, prioritised efficiency, and protected macroeconomic stability—demonstrating resilience in the face of external shocks.” Edun said.
The Minister’s briefing comes at a critical time as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares to transition into its 2026 agenda. Edun stated that the goal for the coming year is to “consolidate the gains of 2025” and build a more inclusive, resilient economy.
Despite the military activity, Edun assured that domestic and international debt markets remain stable and functioning efficiently.
