The Federal Government has dismissed claims that Nigeria is on the verge of collapse, maintaining that the country remains stable, resilient, and firmly on the path to recovery and growth.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, asserted on Wednesday at the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria, held in 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 stated.
Addressing security concerns, Idris said the government has recorded steady progress through sustained military operations and enhanced intelligence coordination.
He pointed to recent operations in Zamfara and Niger states, where security forces neutralized bandits and thwarted planned attacks.
According to him, coordinated efforts by the Armed Forces and other security agencies have resulted in significant gains nationwide, with a noticeable decline in large-scale insurgent activities.
On the economy, the minister expressed optimism, noting that key indicators show signs of recovery and renewed investor confidence. He said reforms across both oil and non-oil sectors are already expanding revenue streams and stabilising public finances.
Idris further cited Nigeria’s recent reclassification to Frontier Market status by FTSE Russell as evidence of growing global confidence.
He explained that the development reflects improved foreign exchange liquidity, enhanced transparency, and easier capital repatriation, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for international investors.
Speaking on the role of the media, the minister urged broadcasters to uphold professionalism and ensure accurate reporting, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle.
The Minister stressed that the media plays a vital role in shaping public perception and fostering 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.
He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to a free and responsible media environment, calling for stronger collaboration between government and media institutions to combat misinformation and promote national cohesion.
Idris commended BON for its contributions to professionalism in the broadcasting sector and encouraged stakeholders to sustain efforts toward strengthening democracy and development.
The minister formally declared the assembly open, expressing confidence that the gathering would generate practical solutions to advance the broadcasting industry.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan; Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Charles Ebuebu; Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority and BON Chairman, Comrade Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos.
Others are Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace; Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Bulama; and BON Vice Chairman, Chief Tony Akiotu, among others.
