Tinubu’s planned UK visit signals Nigeria’s rising global profile – Lanre Adebayo

Lanre Adebayo, director-general of The Progressive Institute (TPI), says the planned state visit of President Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom (UK) signals an improvement in Nigeria’s global standing.

Adebayo spoke in Abuja on Thursday during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between TPI, the Progressive Local Government Chairmen Forum, Jade and Jayden Services Limited, and other stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said Tinubu’s planned visit—coming more than three decades after a similar high-level engagement by a Nigerian president—reflects renewed international confidence in the country’s leadership and reform agenda.

Adebayo added that the invitation underscores Nigeria’s re-emergence as a key player in bilateral and multilateral relations.

“The invitation to President Tinubu demonstrates that Nigeria is being recognised once again as a serious global partner,” he said.

“It underscores the growing relevance of our country in diplomacy, economic cooperation, and security partnerships.”

The UK is one of Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic partners, with ties spanning trade, security cooperation and education. The visit is expected to deepen bilateral relations, expand trade and attract investments.

Adebayo attributed the development to policy decisions taken by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy, which he described as a bold but necessary reform.

He said ending the subsidy freed fiscal resources, reduced pressure on public finances, curtailed fuel smuggling and increased allocations to states and LG councils.

“The resources previously tied to subsidy payments are now being redirected to infrastructure, social investments, and support for sub-national governments,” he said.

He also cited the operationalisation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as part of broader reforms aimed at expanding access to tertiary education.

Adebayo referenced what he described as the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) positive assessment of Nigeria’s reform programme, noting that it has strengthened investors’ confidence and repositioned the country within the global financial system.

“Investor confidence has improved significantly. Companies that left the country before this administration are returning, while new investors are showing interest,” he said.

On domestic policy outcomes, he said long-delayed infrastructure projects are receiving renewed attention, while reforms in agriculture and supply chains are contributing to improved food production and gradual price stabilisation.

Adebayo acknowledged ongoing security challenges but commended efforts to tackle insecurity and banditry, including collaboration with international partners such as the UK and the United States.

“The fight against insecurity is making progress. Responses are improving, and stability is gradually returning to affected communities,” he said.

He added that TPI’s mandate includes documenting government policies, tracking progress and providing a platform for collaboration among the private sector, development partners and the media.

Adebayo disclosed plans to convene a national retreat on policy communication to deepen public understanding of ongoing reforms.

Also speaking, Mustapha Jibril, leader of the Progressive Local Government Chairmen Forum and chairman of Chanchaga LGA in Niger state, said Tinubu had initiated reforms previous administrations avoided.

He said local government chairmen play a crucial role in communicating government policies and understanding grassroots challenges.

“Though we have had some issues about insecurity in Niger, the response from the government has been encouraging,” Jibril said.

“Some achievements have been recorded and some progress has been made, and we need to ensure that we communicate those achievements clearly to the people.”

He assured that the forum would support efforts to publicise the administration’s achievements.

James Williams, managing director of Jade and Jayden Services Limited, said the organisation is partnering with TPI to support a three-day midterm sectoral review of Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

He said the partnership aims to promote transparent reporting of reform progress, strengthen institutional credibility through documentation of measurable outcomes, enhance investor confidence and support responsible public–private collaboration.

“Our partnership with TPI is driven by conviction, and our involvement reflects support for transparent reporting of reform progress across key sectors of the economy and governance and strengthening institutional credibility through structured documentation of measurable outcomes, which would help deepen democracy,” Williams said.

“Enhancing investor and partner confidence by clearly articulating policy direction and delivery; promoting continuity and reform stability as the administration advances its next phase of implementation; and advancing responsible nation-building through credible public–private collaboration.”