Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Major General Christopher Musa, has raised concerns over the rising rhetoric surrounding insecurity and terrorism, warning that it could significantly undermine investor confidence and the country’s economic growth prospects.

Speaking in Abuja during a briefing with journalists on Thursday, the Minister highlighted that continuous negative narratives around terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping are not only a security issue but also a threat to business stability.

“Businesses rely on a stable environment to thrive. When insecurity dominates public discourse, investors—both local and foreign—become hesitant to commit capital,” the Minister noted. He added that industries across agriculture, manufacturing, and services could face setbacks if the current trend continues.

The Minister also stressed the importance of citizens avoiding sympathizing with criminals or spreading unverified information on social media, stating that such actions indirectly fuel economic uncertainty.

Analysts say that Nigeria’s business environment has already shown signs of caution due to sporadic attacks on supply routes and rising security costs for companies operating in high-risk regions.

According to reports, many firms have had to increase security expenditure, which can impact profitability and slow business expansion.

The Defence Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing counter-terrorism operations, emphasizing collaboration with the police, civil defense, and other security agencies to protect lives and property.

Economists warn that prolonged insecurity could affect foreign direct investment (FDI), disrupt supply chains, and even influence consumer confidence, which may slow GDP growth in the coming months.

For business owners and investors, experts recommend closely monitoring security developments, adopting risk mitigation strategies, and advocating for stronger government responses to maintain a stable economic climate.

The Defence Minister concluded with a call for collective responsibility: “Every Nigerian has a role to play in curbing insecurity. Reporting suspicious activities and supporting security operations will help protect lives, businesses, and the nation’s economy.”