Tinubu reforms boost global confidence as Nigeria’s information minister highlights investment gains and economic reforms ahead of the UK visit

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said on Sunday that the economic and governance reforms introduced by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu are strengthening global confidence in Nigeria and opening new opportunities for trade and investment.

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Idris made the remarks in London during a World Press Conference held ahead of President Tinubu’s official state visit to the United Kingdom, which will take place at the invitation of King Charles III.

According to the minister, the visit reflects the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom and provides an important platform for expanding bilateral cooperation.

“This visit highlights the historic and strategic relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, a partnership built on deep diplomatic, economic, cultural, and democratic ties,” Idris said.

He explained that the engagement would allow both countries to deepen collaboration in areas such as trade and investment, security cooperation, climate action, education and technological innovation.

Idris also noted that Nigeria’s democratic system has continued to mature after more than two decades of uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999.

“Nigeria’s democracy continues to grow stronger after more than two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999, supported by vibrant institutions, an active civil society, and a dynamic media environment,” the minister said.

Highlighting the administration’s economic agenda, Idris said the Renewed Hope Agenda is designed to ensure that democratic governance delivers tangible benefits through economic stability, social protection and long-term development.

He pointed to key policy measures, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the harmonisation of multiple foreign exchange windows, which he said were aimed at promoting fiscal transparency and creating a predictable investment climate.

According to Idris, the reforms have significantly strengthened investor interest in the country’s energy sector.

“These reforms have attracted over eight billion dollars in Final Investment Decisions from major international companies,” he said.

The minister added that the inflow of investment is expected to generate employment opportunities, boost technical skills development and improve government revenue across different levels.

He also announced that Nigeria is preparing to launch a Customs Single Window, a digital platform that will connect trade agencies, importers and exporters to simplify documentation and improve efficiency in international trade.

Idris disclosed that Nigeria recently exited the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force after implementing major reforms to tackle money laundering and illicit financial flows.

The development, he said, has strengthened Nigeria’s credibility within the global financial system and improved the country’s investment climate.

The minister further revealed that Nigeria’s external reserves have surpassed 50 billion dollars as of February 2026, with part of the reserves now held in gold as part of a broader diversification strategy.

He highlighted several major infrastructure projects currently underway across the country, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline.

According to him, these projects are expected to strengthen economic connectivity, stimulate industrial growth and support long-term national development.

In the power sector, Idris said initiatives such as the Presidential Power Initiative, the Presidential Metering Initiative and the Grid Asset Management Company are aimed at expanding electricity infrastructure and improving access to power nationwide.

He also highlighted the government’s focus on human capital development, noting that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund has enabled more than one million students to pursue higher education without paying tuition upfront.

On security, the minister said the government has intensified intelligence sharing and operational coordination among security agencies to address terrorism, banditry and organised crime.

He added that Nigeria is also strengthening security partnerships with international allies, including the United Kingdom and the United States.

Idris further noted that the Nigerian Navy, ranked as Africa’s strongest naval fleet in the 2026 Global Firepower Index, is spearheading efforts to establish a Combined Maritime Task Force to enhance security across the Gulf of Guinea.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global cooperation, Idris said the country remains open to responsible investors and continues to promote regulatory transparency, tax incentives and full repatriation of profits.

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“We deeply value our long-standing partnership with the United Kingdom and look forward to strengthening collaboration in the years ahead,” he said.