Economy

Nigeria’s Reforms Boost Global Confidence Ahead of Tinubu’s UK Visit

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has said that the economic and governance reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are strengthening global confidence in the country and positioning Nigeria for deeper trade and investment partnerships, particularly with the United Kingdom.

The disclosure was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Sunday in London during a world press conference ahead of the president’s official state visit at the invitation of King Charles III.

According to Idris, the visit reflects the long-standing diplomatic and economic relationship between Nigeria and the UK and provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration in trade, security, climate action, education, and technological innovation.

He said the administration’s reforms, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, are aimed at ilising the economy, expanding opportunities for citizens, and creating a predictable environment for investors. Among the key measures highlighted were the removal of petrol subsis and the unification of Nigeria’s multiple foreign exce regimes to restore fiscal transparency and promote long-term economic sustainability.

“These reforms are already yielding results and improving investor confidence across several sectors,” Idris said, noting that Nigeria has become Africa’s leading destination for oil and gas investments for two consecutive years, attracting more than $8 billion in Final Investment Decisions from major international energy companies.

The minister also announced plans to launch a Customs Single Window, a digital trade platform designed to connect trade agencies, importers, and exporters while simplifying documentation and improving efficiency.

Idris further revealed that Nigeria has exited the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force, boosting the country’s credibility in the global financial system.

He highlighted reforms in the mining sector to prevent speculative licence holding and ensure only credible investors participate in Nigeria’s mineral development. Positive economic indicators include a decline in inflation since its 2023 peak and fifteen consecutive months of growth in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s purchasing managers’ index.

External reserves have risen to more than $50 billion as of February 2026, with part held in gold as part of a diversification strategy. Major infrastructure projects under way include the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline.

In the power sector, initiatives such as the Presidential Power Initiative, Presidential Metering Initiative, and the Grid Asset Management Company aim to expand electricity access nationwide.

Idris also stressed investments in human capital, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has enabled more than one million students to access higher education without upfront tuition payments.

On security, the government has strengthened intelligence sharing and operational coordination against terrorism, banditry, and organised crime while deepening international partnerships, particularly with the UK and the US. He noted the Nigerian Navy, ranked Africa’s strongest in the 2026 Global Firepower Index, is leading a Combined Maritime Task Force to secure the Gulf of Guinea.

Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom, peaceful coexistence, national unity, and regulatory transparency for responsible global investors, including full repatriation of profits.

“We value our enduring partnership with the United Kingdom and look forward to expanding cooperation that will benefit both nations,” he said.

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