By BONIFACE AKARAH

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his administration's economic and security reforms, declaring that Nigeria is witnessing steady progress despite lingering challenges and insisting that the country is on the path to long-term prosperity.

Speaking at the maiden State House Press Corps Presidential Dinner in Abuja, Tinubu said his government had undertaken "difficult but necessary reforms" that were beginning to yield measurable results across key sectors of the economy.

"The difficult but necessary reforms undertaken by this administration are yielding results. Our economy is stabilising. Public revenues have strengthened significantly. State governments are receiving substantially higher allocations to support development. Investor confidence is returning," the President said.

He added that Nigeria's foreign reserves had improved considerably, while the oil and gas sector was attracting renewed investment and the stock market had recorded remarkable growth.

"Through tax reforms, fiscal reforms, infrastructure investments, and improvements in the business environment, we are laying the foundations for a more competitive, productive, and prosperous economy," Tinubu said.

The President acknowledged that the country's economic journey was not yet complete but maintained that the direction of his administration was clear.

"The journey is not yet complete. Challenges remain. But the direction is clear, and the foundations for long-term growth are being firmly established," he said.

On security, Tinubu said his administration had sustained a multi-dimensional strategy against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities.

According to him, military operations have intensified across several theatres, intelligence gathering has improved, while collaboration among security agencies and international partners has been strengthened.

"As a result, thousands of criminal elements and terrorists have been neutralised. Numerous hostages have been rescued. Communities previously under threat have been reclaimed," he said.

Tinubu added that security agencies had continued to demonstrate courage and professionalism in confronting criminal elements across the country.

"While Nigeria continues to face security challenges, we have moved steadily from reacting to threats toward systematically degrading them. We remain resolute in our commitment to securing every part of our country and ensuring that every Nigerian can live, work, and prosper in peace," he stated.

The President also described the media as a critical partner in national development, saying beyond its traditional watchdog role, the press informs citizens, shapes public discourse, promotes civic participation and strengthens national cohesion.

"As we look to the future, let us continue to strengthen the relationship between government and the media—not by abandoning healthy scrutiny, but by deepening mutual respect, professionalism, and responsibility, and by strengthening our shared commitment to the Nigerian people," he said.

Tinubu urged both government and the media to work together in building a nation where accountability, truth and democracy flourish.

"Let us replace needless hostility with constructive engagement. Let us replace sensationalism with professionalism. Let us replace the pursuit of outrage with the pursuit of truth. Together, let us continue building a nation where truth matters, accountability thrives, democracy flourishes, and every Nigerian has reason to believe in the promise of our country," he said.