NIGERIA NOT ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE, WE ARE SHOWING RESILIENCE AND PROGRESS – INFORMATION MINISTER

NIGERIA NOT ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE, WE ARE SHOWING RESILIENCE AND PROGRESS – INFORMATION MINISTER

 

L-R: The Director General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Dr Charles Ebuebu; Chairman of Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON), Abdulhamid Dembos; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, and Chief Tony Akiotu, Vice Chairman, BON, at the 81st Annual General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of BON, held on Wednesday, April 8, at the Hawthorn Suites, Abuja. Photo Khalid Ahmed

The Federal Government has firmly refuted claims that Nigeria is on the brink of collapse, stating that the country remains stable, resilient, and on a clear path to recovery and growth. 

 

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Wednesday at the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), held at the Hawthorn Hotel and Suites, 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.

 

Speaking on security, Idris assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is making steady progress through sustained military operations and improved intelligence coordination. He cited recent successful operations in Zamfara and Niger States where security forces neutralised bandits and disrupted 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 stated.

 

On the economy, the Minister said current indicators point to recovery and renewed investor confidence, stressing that ongoing reforms are already yielding 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,” he said.

 

He further highlighted Nigeria’s recent return to Frontier Market status, as recently announced by FTSE Russell, a global financial index, as a strong signal of global confidence in the country’s economy. According to him, the reclassification reflects improved foreign-exchange liquidity, greater market transparency, and greater 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,” Idris noted.

 

Addressing the media, the Minister called for responsible and accurate reporting, especially as the country approaches another election cycle. He emphasized that broadcasters play a critical role in shaping public perception and maintaining 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 also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting a free, responsible, and forward-looking media environment. He urged stronger collaboration between government and media institutions to address misinformation and promote 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.

 

The Minister commended the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria for its role in strengthening professionalism in the industry and encouraged stakeholders to continue working together to build a media landscape that supports democracy, development, and national unity.

 

He reaffirmed that the Federal Government will continue to engage openly with Nigerians as it implements reforms to build a more secure, resilient, and prosperous nation.

 

The Minister formally declared the 81st General Assembly and Annual General Meeting of BON open, expressing confidence that the gathering would produce practical solutions to advance the broadcasting industry.                                                                                                                          

 

The 81st BON AGM was attended by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Charles Ebuebu, the Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and Chairman, Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON), Comr. Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, fnipr; Director General, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace; Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama, and the Vice Chairman, Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON), Chief Tony Akiotu, amongst other dignitaries. 

 

Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr

Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation.

 

Wednesday, April 8, 2026