Nigeria has called for a more balanced and accurate global characterisation of its political and economic realities as it continues to implement far-reaching reforms.
Speaking at the Global Council for Political Renewal Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria is undergoing significant transformation that deserves objective international recognition.
The Minister explained that Nigeria’s presence at the conference reflects its commitment not only to democratic growth but also to engage the world in constructive dialogue about governance, reform, and development.
He noted that while global narratives about Nigeria have at times been shaped by challenges, the country is currently experiencing measurable progress across key sectors.
“Nigeria is indeed turning the corner towards prosperity that Mr. President has promised. We think that, the international committee can do better about its characterisation of Nigeria. We’ve seen what has happened, come out from America, from the United States, about the characterisation of Nigeria as a country that does not allow religious freedom. But, of course, we have also seen that the American government has come to Nigeria.
“They’ve listened to the Nigerian authorities. They’ve learned from us. And I think that they’re having a change of heart gradually. We believe that, going forward, Nigeria is going to be better understood. And we will also ensure that the international committee understands us better so that they can do more business with us, they can have better handshake with us for the peace and prosperity that all of us require for development to take place,” he noted.
According to him, international financial institutions and rating agencies have acknowledged Nigeria’s reform efforts. He cited recent positive engagements with the World Bank and the international Monetary Fund both of which have recognised the country’s economic restructuring measures.
“Nigeria is indeed going through reform, critical reform, that is repositioning it. And if you look at what we have seen in the last one year, almost all the rating agencies in the world are giving a pass mark to Nigeria. All the rating agencies of the world are saying that Nigeria is indeed the destination to be. Only a week ago, the president of the World Bank was in Nigeria, giving Nigeria a pass mark in its economic reform. The IMF also did something,” he explained.
Idris stressed that democracy is an evolving process and that Nigeria remains firmly committed to strengthening its institutions and delivering democratic dividends to its citizens.
“It’s been a very worthwhile experience for Nigeria to be here. we have talked about the value of democracy itself and that democracy should bring its own value to its people. Democracy does not have a single origin, nor does it have a single destination. So, it is important for all of us to come together to work towards a value that works for the entire world. Nigeria is indeed a part of this democratic journey. And we want to ensure that Nigeria continues to take its place in the committee of nations to continue to play its active part towards peace and stability, not just on the African continent, but also around the world.
“We need to share our experiences with other African countries, learn from them what they’ve done right, learn from them the journey towards democratisation. As we have learned here, democracy is not just a single word. It’s also undergoing democratisation itself. So, Nigeria is learning from other peers around the world, especially around other participants from Africa, from Asia, from all parts of the world. And this, we hope, these lessons will benefit Nigeria towards ensuring that democracy is indeed further strengthened in our country,” the Minister explained.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s message to the international community is one of hope, reform, and partnership. He urged global stakeholders to reassess outdated perceptions and recognise the country’s progress, resilience, and strategic importance on the African continent.
Nigeria’s participation at the conference, demonstrates its resolve to shape global conversations about democracy while ensuring that its national story is told with fairness, accuracy, and context.