President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has, for the first time, spoken publicly since U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution and issued threats of military action against terrorist groups in the region.

Speaking at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu avoided direct reference to President Trump but underscored Nigeria’s resilience and growing economic credibility. He cited the overwhelming success of the country’s recent $2.35 billion Eurobond, which was oversubscribed by 453 percent, as clear proof of “strong investor confidence despite political headwinds.”

“Nigeria remains open for business. The confidence of global investors in our economy is unshaken. We will continue to engage our international partners diplomatically while working tirelessly to defeat terrorism and build a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient nation,” Tinubu said.

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, briefed the council that the Eurobond attracted $13 billion in orders, describing it as a major milestone in Nigeria’s economic reform trajectory.

He added that the next phase of the administration’s reforms would focus on removing barriers to investment, reviewing tariffs and import restrictions, and improving fiscal discipline to ensure that the benefits of the reforms reach ordinary Nigerians.

Thursday’s FEC meeting marked the first in three months, with President Tinubu also swearing in two new ministers — Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN) from Enugu State and Bernard Doro from Plateau State — bringing the cabinet back to its full complement of 48 members.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s determination to crush terrorism and violent extremism, stating that no external pressure or political distraction would deter Nigeria from safeguarding its sovereignty and national security.

In a high-stakes moment for Nigeria’s diplomacy and domestic political agenda, President Bola Tinubu has spoken publicly for the first time in response to threats issued by U.S. President Donald Trump — at the same time swearing in two new ministers to his Cabinet.

President Trump recently directed U.S. military planning toward Nigeria, warning that American assistance could be cut off if Nigeria continues to “allow the killing of Christians” — and even suggesting the possibility of U.S. intervention.

In response, Tinubu’s office, via Minister of Information & National Orientation Mohammed Idris, announced that the president remains calm and is taking the matter “with the depth it requires”.

The government emphasised that Nigeria is engaging via multiple channels — including religious leaders, international organisations and regional bodies — to clarify its position and dispel narratives of religious intolerance.

Analysts say the seriousness of the U.S. approach underscores global concern about Nigeria’s security and religious-freedom situation.

At a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held earlier today, President Tinubu swore in:

• Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro (from Plateau State) to fill the vacant Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs & Poverty Reduction.
• Mr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN, from Enugu State) to fill the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation, following the resignation of his predecessor amid allegations of certificate forgery.

Their appointments were confirmed by the Senate and came at a moment of heightened domestic and international scrutiny.

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following his nomination by President Bola Tinubu.

The confirmation, which was carried out in line with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), came after Udeh successfully completed all required security screenings.

President Tinubu had, in a letter to the Senate earlier in the week, sought the lawmakers’ approval for Udeh’s appointment. With the confirmation, Udeh is now set to join the Federal Executive Council.

Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the current Attorney General of Enugu State, faced several questions during his screening. One question from Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) sought his view on the ongoing diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the United States, following threats by former U.S. President Donald Trump to take military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

Before Udeh could respond, Senate President Godswill Akpabio humorously advised him to “dodge” the politically sensitive question.

When he eventually replied, Udeh offered a measured response, noting that the issue was being handled directly by President Tinubu and emphasizing that it was “more of a diplomatic matter than a legal one.”

He commended President Tinubu for revitalizing Nigeria’s foreign relations, stressing that sustained international cooperation is key to improving the country’s global image and advancing its national interests.