Wale Edun reassures investors that Nigeria-US Sokoto operation protects citizens and reinforces market confidence, promoting stability and growth
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, has assured investors that Nigeria’s recent joint security operation with the United States in Sokoto will reinforce economic confidence rather than destabilise markets. The intelligence-led operation, carried out on Christmas Day, targeted terrorist elements threatening national stability and local communities.
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Edun stressed in a statement on Sunday that Nigeria is not at war with itself or any other nation, and that safeguarding citizens and economic activity is integral to sustainable growth.
“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. Security and economic stability are inseparable; every effort to safeguard Nigerians is, by definition, pro-growth and pro-investment,” he said.
The statement follows US President Donald Trump’s military action against terrorist groups in northwest Nigeria, which he announced on his Truth Social platform in November.
Financial markets had previously reacted negatively to Trump’s threat, with the naira and the Nigerian Exchange recording declines.
Edun highlighted Nigeria’s solid macroeconomic performance, noting GDP growth of 3.98 per cent in the third quarter of 2025, down slightly from 4.23 per cent in Q2, while inflation fell below 15 per cent for the seventh consecutive period, reflecting improving price stability.
He added that domestic and international debt markets remain resilient, supported by prudent fiscal management, and that Nigeria has received credit rating upgrades from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s.
“Our financial markets remain stable and functioning efficiently. The fundamentals are strengthening, the policy direction is clear, and the resolve of this administration—to protect lives, secure prosperity, and grow the economy—is unwavering,” Edun said.
He reassured investors that as markets reopen, Nigeria remains open for business, anchored in peace, and firmly focused on future growth.
The assurance aims to stabilise investor sentiment following earlier market reactions to geopolitical risks.
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In November, the naira slid from N1,421.73/$ to N1,436.34/$, while the Nigerian Exchange Limited’s All-Share Index contracted by 0.25 per cent, reflecting bearish sentiment.
