The Federal Government has rejected claims by a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) that Nigeria is on the brink of collapse.
On Tuesday, over 50 CSOs including ActionAid Nigeria, Amnesty International Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development, Media Rights Agenda, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, and Yiaga Africa warned that the country faces worsening insecurity, rising poverty, and governance challenges.
The coalition said Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship while political leaders “trade rhetoric,” adding that insecurity, inequality, and economic strain have deepened despite rising government revenues.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 81st general assembly and 23rd annual general meeting of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria in Abuja, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, dismissed the claim that the country is nearing collapse.
“I want to unequivocally refute the insinuation that Nigeria is on the brink,” the minister said.
“On the contrary, we are daily exhibiting resilience and tackling our security and economic challenges more decisively.”
Idris said the federal government is recording progress in addressing insecurity through coordinated operations.
“Coordinated operations by the Armed Forces and other security agencies have led to sustained gains in several parts of the country,” he said.
“Incidents of large-scale insurgent control have significantly decreased, and we are strengthening intelligence and rapid response systems to protect lives and property.”
He added that security forces recently carried out successful operations in Zamfara and Niger states, where bandits were killed and planned attacks thwarted.
On the economy, Idris said current indicators show signs of recovery and improving investor confidence.
“Nigeria’s foreign reserves are strengthening, investor confidence is improving, and reforms in both the oil and non-oil sectors are expanding revenue streams,” he said.
“These decisions, though difficult, are stabilising public finances and creating a more transparent economic environment.”
The minister said Nigeria’s return to frontier market status by FTSE Russell signals renewed global confidence in the country’s economy.
“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,” he said.
He urged broadcasters to uphold professionalism and responsible reporting, especially as the country approaches another election cycle.
Idris also called for stronger collaboration between the government and the media to counter misinformation.
“Difficult moments like this require stronger faith in our country and a deep sense of patriotism, not narratives that create fear or division,” he said.
