The Traffic NG

The Federal Government has said the economic and governance reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are strengthening global confidence in Nigeria and creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and international cooperation.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Sunday in London during a World Press Conference ahead of the President’s official visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III.

According to the minister, the visit underscores the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, built on deep diplomatic, economic, cultural, and democratic ties.

Idris said the visit will provide an opportunity for both countries to deepen collaboration in areas such as trade and investment, security cooperation, climate action, education, and technological innovation.

He noted that Nigeria’s democracy has continued to strengthen after more than two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999, supported by active institutions, civil society, and a vibrant media.

The minister explained that the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on stabilising the economy, expanding opportunities, strengthening social protection, and promoting long-term national development.

Highlighting key reforms undertaken by the government, Idris cited the removal of petrol subsidy and the harmonisation of multiple foreign exchange regimes, which he said were introduced to restore fiscal transparency, promote economic sustainability, and improve investment predictability.

He disclosed that the reforms, alongside presidential executive orders in the oil and gas sector, have made Nigeria Africa’s most attractive destination for oil and gas investments for two consecutive years, attracting more than eight billion dollars in Final Investment Decisions from international companies.

The minister also revealed that the government will soon launch a Customs Single Window, a digital platform designed to connect trade agencies, importers, and exporters to streamline documentation and improve efficiency in international trade.

Idris further stated that Nigeria recently exited the Financial Action Task Force grey list after implementing significant reforms to combat money laundering and illicit financial flows, a move expected to strengthen the country’s credibility in the global financial system.

He added that economic indicators are already showing signs of improvement, noting that inflation has declined significantly since 2023, while Nigeria’s external reserves surpassed 50 billion dollars as of February 2026.

The minister also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline, which are expected to enhance economic connectivity and industrial growth.

On human capital development, Idris said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund has enabled more than one million students to access higher education without upfront tuition payments.

He emphasised that Nigeria remains open to responsible investors globally, assuring that government policies support regulatory transparency, tax incentives, and full repatriation of profits.

Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the United Kingdom and expanding cooperation in the years ahead.