The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says Nigeria is moving from the difficult phase of economic reforms and stabilisation into a new era of growth, production and prosperity.

The minister stated this at the World Press Conference to commemorate Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary.

He said the anniversary should not only commemorate Nigeria's independence in 1960, but should also provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country they inherited and the nation they intend to hand over to future generations.

The minister said the administration of President Bola Tinubu assumed office about three years ago amid significant structural and fiscal challenges and took difficult decisions to address long-standing economic distortions.

According to him, Nigeria's real Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.43 per cent in the second quarter, compared with 4.23 per cent in the corresponding period of the previous year.

He added that the country's external position had strengthened, foreign reserves had increased, while domestic refining capacity, investment and productive activities had also expanded.