Thursday, June 4, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

S&P rating, killing of ISIS 2ic best birthday gift from Tinubu – Atoyebi

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By Sunday Ani

Convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG), Bamidele Atoyebi, has described recent economic and security developments under President Bola Tinubu as the “greatest birthday gift,” saying the country is gradually reclaiming global respect and economic stability.

Speaking on his birthday, Atoyebi said he woke up to what he called “two good news” that strengthened his confidence in the administration’s reforms and international standing.

According to him, the first major development was the upgrade of Nigeria’s economic outlook by global rating agency, S&P, which moved the country’s rating from B- to stable B after years of economic stagnation and negative international perception.

“For 14 years, the story of Nigeria’s economy on the international stage was trapped in a cycle of negative outlook and stagnation. This week, that narrative officially cracked,” he said.

He noted that the improved rating would boost investors’ confidence, encourage capital inflow and reinforce Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability.

He also celebrated what he described as a significant security breakthrough, involving joint operations between Nigerian troops and the United States forces, leading to the neutralisation of ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.

He said the operation reflected a growing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States under President Tinubu’s leadership.

“A massive security victory broke from Washington and Abuja. We are no longer fighting asymmetric warfare in isolation; we are delivering precision results alongside global superpowers,” he stated.

He added that Nigeria’s renewed global relevance was becoming increasingly evident, especially following recent diplomatic engagements involving President Tinubu.

He recalled that the President recently announced that Nigeria attracted an additional $20 billion in foreign investment commitments across several sectors during engagements in East Africa.

He further praised Tinubu’s ongoing tax reforms, describing them as people-oriented and focused on transparency and simplicity rather than coercion.

“When questioned about the reforms, the President’s response was simple: remove bottlenecks and speak an English the common man understands,” he said.

He also highlighted initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying they were already providing relief and educational support for students nationwide.

According to him, Tinubu’s administration is shifting Nigeria away from borrowing for recurrent spending towards strategic investments in infrastructure projects capable of driving long-term economic growth.

He cited projects such as the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and the Kano-Kaduna-Ajaokuta Gas Project as examples of transformational investments.

Atoyebi also referenced Tinubu’s earlier support for the Dangote Refinery project and the creation of Eko Atlantic City as evidence of long-term economic vision.

He disclosed that BAT-IG recently launched a policy enthusiasts platform aimed at amplifying testimonies from beneficiaries of government programmes such as NELFUND and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives.

According to him, selected grassroots representatives on the platform receive monthly stipends of N20,000 to help spread awareness about the government’s reforms and economic policies.

“As BAT-IG, we extend our deepest gratitude to the President for his courage, intellect and steadfast vision,” he said.

He maintained that recent developments proved that Nigeria was regaining its footing globally and economically.

“The trajectory is clear: Nigeria is working again,” he added.