Edun Hails 4.07% GDP Growth, Signals Reform Payoff

Edun Hails 4.07% GDP Growth, Signals Reform Payoff

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has welcomed the latest economic data showing that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025, describing the performance as clear evidence that ongoing reforms are yielding results.

The figure, released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), marks only the second time in a decade—excluding the immediate post-pandemic rebound—that Nigeria’s quarterly growth has surpassed the 4 per cent threshold.

The 4.07 per cent expansion in Q4 2025 follows the 4.23 per cent growth recorded in Q2 2025 and represents an improvement over the 3.76 per cent posted in Q3 2024, underscoring a steady acceleration in economic activity.

In a statement issued on Friday, Edun said the data reflects strengthening macroeconomic stability and the tangible impact of the Federal Government’s reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the minister, the Q4 growth was driven by sustained expansion across the three major sectors of the economy; agriculture, industry and services, highlighting the broad-based nature of the recovery.

Agriculture grew by 4.0 per cent, a sharp rise from 2.54 per cent in the corresponding period of 2024, aided by improved security in food-producing areas, better access to inputs and targeted productivity interventions.

Industry expanded by 3.88 per cent compared to 2.49 per cent in Q4 2024, supported by improved foreign exchange liquidity, energy sector reforms and renewed investor confidence.

The services sector led with a 4.15 per cent growth rate, reflecting resilience in finance, telecommunications, trade and technology-driven activities.

Notably, about 30 subsectors recorded growth rates above 3 per cent, signalling that economic expansion is becoming more diversified rather than concentrated in isolated segments.

For the full year 2025, the NBS reported that Nigeria’s real GDP grew by 3.87 per cent, an improvement on the 3.38 per cent recorded in 2024. The size of the economy rose significantly to ₦441.5 trillion, up from ₦372.8 trillion the previous year.

Edun said the expansion “reflects strengthening fundamentals, improved fiscal coordination, disciplined expenditure management, and reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic credibility.”

He added that the latest data sends “a strong signal to foreign investors, multilateral institutions, and global economic stakeholders that Nigeria’s reform trajectory is gaining traction and is being consolidated.”

With improving macroeconomic coordination, enhanced revenue mobilisation and greater transparency in public finance, the minister noted that Nigeria is positioning itself as a stable and competitive destination for long-term capital.

The Ministry of Finance reiterated its commitment to disciplined reform implementation and strategic coordination across government institutions as the country seeks to sustain growth momentum and deepen economic transformation.