By Mercy Peter
The Federal Government has said that the economic and governance reforms being implemented by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu are strengthening global confidence in Nigeria.
Besides, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said the reforms are already creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and international cooperation, particularly with the United Kingdom.
He stated this on Sunday in London during a world press conference held ahead of President Tinubu’s official visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III.
Idris said the visit underscores the long-standing diplomatic, economic, and cultural relationship between both nations, describing the partnership as historic and strategic.
“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,” the minister said.
He noted that the visit would provide an opportunity for both countries to deepen collaboration in critical sectors such as trade and investment, security cooperation, climate action, education, and technological innovation.
The minister said Nigeria’s democratic system has continued to strengthen after more than two decades of uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999, supported by strong institutions, an active civil society, and a vibrant media environment.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu remains focused on ensuring that democracy delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians through the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic stabilisation, job creation, social protection, and long-term national development.
He highlighted major policy reforms introduced by the administration, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the harmonisation of multiple foreign exchange regimes, explaining that the measures were aimed at restoring fiscal transparency, promoting economic sustainability, and improving investor confidence.
Idris said the reforms have already begun to yield results, particularly in the oil and gas sector, where Nigeria has attracted more than eight billion dollars in Final Investment Decisions from international companies.
He noted that the investments were facilitated by several presidential executive orders designed to improve the ease of doing business and strengthen regulatory clarity in the sector.
According to him, Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s most attractive destination for oil and gas investment for two consecutive years.
“Each of these investment dollars represents jobs for Nigerians, technical skills development, revitalised communities, and stronger revenues for governments at all levels,” he said.
The minister also revealed that the Federal Government will soon launch a historic Customs Single Window — a unified digital platform that will integrate trade agencies, importers, and exporters to simplify documentation processes and improve efficiency in international trade.
In addition, he announced that Nigeria has successfully exited the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force after implementing significant reforms to combat money laundering and illicit financial flows.
He said the development strengthens Nigeria’s credibility within the global financial system and enhances the country’s attractiveness to international investors.
Idris disclosed that the government is also reforming the mining sector to promote transparency and eliminate speculative licence holding, ensuring that only serious investors participate in developing Nigeria’s mineral resources.
He said early indicators show improving investor confidence across several sectors of the economy.
According to the minister, inflation has declined significantly since 2023, trade surplus continues to expand, and the Central Bank’s Purchasing Managers’ Index has recorded fifteen consecutive months of growth, indicating renewed momentum in the manufacturing and services sectors.
He further revealed that Nigeria’s external reserves have grown substantially, surpassing 50 billion dollars as of February 2026, with part of the reserves now held in gold as part of the country’s diversification strategy.
The minister also highlighted several major infrastructure projects underway across the country, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline.
He said the projects are designed to improve national connectivity, facilitate trade, and support industrial expansion.
Idris said the government is implementing initiatives such as the Presidential Power Initiative and the Presidential Metering Initiative to improve electricity infrastructure and energy access.
He added that the recently created Grid Asset Management Company will further strengthen the management and expansion of Nigeria’s electricity grid.
The minister also highlighted the government’s focus on human capital development, noting that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund has enabled more than one million Nigerian students to access higher education without paying tuition upfront.
Idris also said the administration has intensified intelligence sharing and operational coordination among security agencies to address terrorism, banditry, and organised crime.
He added that Nigeria has also expanded security cooperation with international partners, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
According to him, the Nigerian Navy — ranked Africa’s strongest naval fleet in the 2026 Global Firepower Index — is spearheading the creation of a Combined Maritime Task Force to strengthen security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom, peaceful coexistence, and national unity, stressing that the country’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.
He added that Nigeria continues to play a leading role in regional diplomacy, peacekeeping operations, and international cooperation in addressing global challenges such as climate change, migration, and energy security.
Idris assured investors that Nigeria remains open to responsible global partnerships, noting that government policies support regulatory transparency, tax incentives, and the full repatriation of profits.
“We deeply value our long-standing partnership with the United Kingdom and look forward to strengthening collaboration in the years ahead,” he said.
The Minister has inaugurated the Media and Publicity Subcommittee for the 2026 National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during the inauguration at the Minister’s Conference Room, Radio House, Abuja, Idris described the convention as a major milestone for the ruling party as it continues to strengthen internal democracy and consolidate its vision for national development.
He said the committee has a strategic role to play in ensuring accurate and transparent communication about the convention, particularly in an era of rapid information flow.
According to him, the committee’s responsibilities include content creation, media relations, media planning and buying, liaison with other convention subcommittees, documentation, media monitoring, and performance evaluation.
The minister urged members to approach the assignment with professionalism, creativity, and a strong sense of duty in order to ensure wide and positive coverage of the convention.
