The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has reacted to the decision of S&P Global Ratings to revise Nigeria’s outlook to Positive from Stable, saying that the government would continue to implement well-coordinated policies aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability.

The Minister, in a statement released on Saturday, said the upgrade, while affirming Nigeria’s long- and short-term ratings at ‘B-/B’, was a strong endorsement of the fiscal, monetary, and structural reforms being rolled out under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“I am delighted to receive the news that S&P Global Ratings has revised Nigeria’s outlook to Positive from Stable while affirming our ‘B-/B’ rating,” he said.

“This development is yet another clear signal that the difficult but necessary reforms we are undertaking are gaining traction and earning strong recognition from respected global institutions.”

Edun noted that with Moody’s and Fitch Ratings having earlier upgraded Nigeria’s credit position in the same year, all three major global ratings agencies now align in acknowledging the progress of the reforms.

“This alignment reflects tremendous confidence in the direction of our fiscal, monetary, and structural reforms, and in the renewed strength and stability of our economy,” he said.

The Minister highlighted that S&P’s decision echoed the agency’s recognition of improved growth prospects, strengthening external buffers, and clearer monetary policy outcomes, which are beginning to materialise as the reforms take hold.

“These positive signals reinforce our commitment to staying the course,” Edun added. “While we are fully aware that more work lies ahead, the foundations we are building today will support inclusive and sustainable growth for years to come.”

He commended President Tinubu for what he described as “unwavering leadership and political courage” in pushing reforms that had long been delayed and also acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians navigating the transition.

“We will continue to implement well-coordinated policies that restore macroeconomic stability, attract investment, and create opportunities for our citizens,” he assured.

“The confidence shown by global ratings agencies strengthens our resolve to deliver a stronger, more dynamic, and more prosperous Nigerian economy.”

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has condemned recent killings in the north and called on bandits and vigilante groups to stop the violence.

Khalil Moh’d Bello, KACRAN’s national president, made the appeal in a statement on Thursday.

He said the association is alarmed by the “shameful, brutal killings” of innocent Nigerians, the destruction of property and the rustling of livestock across the region.

According to him, pastoralists have become victims of extortion and coercion by criminal groups who demand illegal levies or force them to surrender their children to join armed gangs.

He said many herders are also exposed to attacks by volunteer fighters who fail to confront bandits in forest hideouts but instead “end their operations by killing innocent pastoralists”.

Bello added that security operations often result in unintended casualties among herders who are caught between bandits and state forces.

He said pastoralists are sometimes compelled to provide cover for criminal groups because they are not allowed safe access to grazing areas in the deep forest.

Bello warned that pastoral communities would be the most vulnerable if the country were to face an external threat, citing their experience during previous clashes with vigilante groups and security forces.

His words: “KACRAN, for whatsoever reason, rejects and condemns in unmistakable terms any act of killing innocent Nigerians.

“We call on bandits and volunteers to end their act, which is a heinous crime that has no cause or justification.”

He criticised the recent breaches of peace deals in Katsina, Kano and Zamfara, where bandits attacked communities that had previously reached reconciliation agreements with them.

Bello said some of the communities, particularly in Katsina, had honoured the terms of the peace accord, but “disgruntled elements” among the armed groups violated the agreement and launched attacks and abductions.

He said similar incidents occurred in Zamfara, where bandits allegedly reneged on agreements with farmers, killed residents and kidnapped others for ransom.

Bello urged government and community leaders to prioritise the protection of innocent pastoralists, whom he described as the most exposed in the cycle of rural violence.

By Augustine Akhilomen

Former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has warned President Bola Tinubu against seeking a meeting with United States President Donald Trump over the latter’s recent threats to invade Nigeria.

Fani-Kayode issued the warning while speaking as a guest lecturer at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Akure, Ondo state.

The former minister said the president risks “embarrassment” if he attempts to meet Trump at the White House.

He said his concern was informed by media reports suggesting that Tinubu was seeking an audience with the American president.

Fani-Kayode described Trump as “irrational, unpredictable and unbalanced”.

He accused the US president of harbouring what he called “a pathological hatred for Africans, black and brown people, and Muslims”.

He said Trump’s behaviour reflects what Pentecostal Christians refer to as a “Demas­tic anointing”, which he explained as a fixation on materialism derived from the biblical story of Demas, an associate of Apostle Paul.

“He has been afflicted with what those of us in Pentecostal circles describe as a ‘Demas­tic anointing’, named after Apostle Paul’s loyal disciple called Demas, who lost his way and fell”, he stated.