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By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja | Media Report
The Federal Government has reaffirmed Nigeria’s pivotal role in sustaining peace, stability, and economic progress across West Africa, emphasizing that the country remains stable and firmly on a path of recovery and growth.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Thursday at the Voice of Nigeria Forum 2026 held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.
According to the Minister, Nigeria’s stability is intrinsically linked to that of the West African region, noting that a peaceful and democratic environment fosters investment, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
“For over five decades, Nigeria has remained at the forefront of promoting peace, democratic governance, and regional integration across West Africa,” he said.
He highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding contributions through peacekeeping missions, mediation efforts, and support for democratic transitions, describing them as clear evidence of the country’s leadership role in the sub-region.
Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s stability, Idris dismissed claims suggesting the country is on the brink of collapse, describing such narratives as misleading and not reflective of current realities.
“We must reject the false narrative that Nigeria is collapsing. The facts show a country making steady progress in governance, security, and economic reforms,” he stated.
On security, the Minister disclosed that the 2026 budget allocates ₦5.41 trillion to the sector the highest allocation aimed at strengthening military operations, improving intelligence coordination, and enhancing community-based peacebuilding initiatives.
He added that ongoing operations have resulted in the neutralisation of key terror commanders and the rescue of thousands of kidnapped victims.
Speaking on the economy, Idris noted that recent reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange adjustments, are stabilising public finances and improving growth prospects.
He added that inflation is easing, while global institutions project Nigeria’s economy to grow above the global average in 2026.
The Minister also underscored the role of the Voice of Nigeria in promoting Nigeria’s image globally and countering misinformation, describing it as a critical tool for public diplomacy.
He called for stronger collaboration among government, media, civil society, and international partners to sustain democracy and regional stability.
“Sustaining peace and democracy requires collective responsibility. We must strengthen institutions, promote accurate information, and deepen regional cooperation,” he said.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with regional and global partners to reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development in West Africa.
Idris also commended the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, for organising the forum, describing it as timely and impactful.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar; and the Chairman of the EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede, among other dignitaries.
