SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT ON CITIZEN ASAR MICHAEL SESUGH'S DEATH. (PHOTO).#PRESS RELEASE.

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 Setting the Records Straight on  Citizen Asar Michael Sesugh's  Death The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  considered it imperative to clear the air on some recent incidents at its Makurdi Zonal Directorate,  Benue State.   Operatives of the Directorate arrested 26 suspected cyber fraudsters on April 28,  2026.  They were profiled and kept in custody for further investigations after obtaining a Remand Order at a Magistrate Court.  Shortly after their arrest,  specifically on May 4,  2026,  three of the suspects sought permission to use the lavatory at the Directorate's  Holding Facility and were permitted.   They cashed in on the opportunity,  broke the toilet's roof and escaped from detention.  Several efforts were made to re- arrest them to no avail. However,  fresh intelligence came on Thursday,  May 21,  2026 that one of the escaped suspects,   As...

EDUN UNVEILS STABILISATION PROGRESS, ECONOMIC PRIORITIES IN ABUJA BRIEFING. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.


 PRESS RELEASE


EDUN UNVEILS STABILISATION PROGRESS, ECONOMIC PRIORITIES IN ABUJA BRIEFING


In a landmark virtual briefing, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun presented a comprehensive update on Nigeria's economic trajectory to selected members of the media, highlighting significant progress, key priorities, and strategic initiatives to drive sustainable growth and development in the country.


The Minister's briefing provided a detailed overview of Nigeria's economic stabilisation efforts, which have yielded notable results over the past 18 to 20 months. According to Minister Edun, the economy has pulled back from the brink of a fiscal crisis, with Nigeria recording 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024—close to the 3.4% annual target—while inflation began to ease, revenues increased, and the exchange rate showed signs of strengthening.


Fiscal Discipline and Revenue Reform

Edun reported a 20% increase in government revenue last year, alongside a reduced budget deficit and a decline in debt servicing as a percentage of revenue. He reiterated the government’s commitment to responsible spending, stronger fiscal management, and efforts to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio to 18% over the next 18 months—through improved compliance, digitisation, and broadening of the tax base.


Private Sector as the Engine of Growth

The Minister emphasised that the next phase of economic growth will be driven by private sector investment. A ₦1 trillion low-interest mortgage fund—backed by both public and private financing—will soon be launched to stimulate the housing sector. Additionally, pension funds and institutional investors are being mobilised to finance 5,000 kilometres of roads under the Highways Management and Development Initiative.


Oil, Trade, and External Positioning

While reaffirming Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to diversify the economy, the Minister noted that oil revenue remains essential. Plans are underway to expand domestic refining capacity to 1.2 million barrels per day and ensure a secure, investor-friendly operating environment in the oil sector. He also encouraged exporters to focus on domestic and regional markets to cushion the impact of global shocks, including recent tariff policies introduced by the United States.


Youth Empowerment and Innovation

With an average national age of 16.9 years and over 600,000 graduates annually, the Minister underscored the urgency of youth-focused economic policy. He cited upcoming funding mechanisms to support young entrepreneurs and highlighted the recent launch of a national sports empowerment programme by President Tinubu in Ogun State.


A Call for Partnership

HM Edun declared that this is a time for equity investment, privatisation, and strategic partnerships. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enabling a business-friendly environment and fostering sustainable, inclusive growth for all Nigerians.


As Nigeria embarks on this transformative economic journey, the Honourable Minister's briefing underscores the government's dedication to prudent fiscal management, strategic investments, and inclusive growth. With a renewed focus on private sector-driven growth, youth empowerment, and strategic partnerships, Nigeria is poised to unlock its full economic potential while also securing a brighter future for generations to come.


Signed

Mohammed Manga, FCAI

Director, Information and Public Relations


March 29, 2025

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