Abuja — President Bola Tinubu on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to defeat terrorism and deepen international partnerships, saying Nigeria will “move forward with unity and purpose” despite political headwinds.
Speaking at the State House shortly after swearing in two new ministers — Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN (Enugu) and Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro (Plateau) — Tinubu said his government would continue robust diplomatic engagement even as security forces intensify operations against violent groups.
“Despite the political headwind and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with our partners… We assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in the country,” Tinubu said.
The brief oath-taking, held in the Council Chamber and preceded by a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), formalizes changes in the cabinet:
- Udeh, formerly Enugu State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, replaces Uche Nnaji, who resigned as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology over an alleged certificate forgery.
- Doro replaces Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, now National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
On the economy, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, reported continued momentum, citing 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025 — described as the strongest quarterly expansion in a decade outside the post-COVID rebound. Tinubu also pointed to the oversubscription of a $2.3 billion eurobond as evidence of improving investor confidence.
“The success of the $2.3 billion bond… is the most at this stage. The task ahead is immense… but we are resolved to move forward, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Nigeria,” the President said.
The FEC observed a minute of silence for two prominent figures: Senator Solomon Ewuga, a former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, and General Mohammed Abdullahi, former military governor of Benue-Plateau State and the first Director-General of the Nigerian Security Organization, both of whom passed recently.
Tinubu’s comments on security come amid heightened public concern and international scrutiny. The President reiterated that sustained collaboration with allies and firm domestic measures remain central to his administration’s strategy to restore stability and accelerate economic reforms.
