FG defends Tinubu’s UK visit, emphasises strategic Nigeria-UK partnership

The Federal Government has defended President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom, dismissing some criticisms of the trip as misinformed or deliberately mischievous.

 

The Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the remarks while speaking with international media in the United Kingdom, according to a report by Channels Television on Sunday.

 

Idris said the visit reflects the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the UK, which spans trade, education, security cooperation and cultural exchange.

 

“We know that Nigeria has had its own fair share of criticism about some of those policies instituted back home, some of them arising from a lack of adequate knowledge and some out of sheer mischief,” the minister said.

 

He described the Nigeria-UK relationship as historic and strategic, noting that both countries share deep diplomatic, economic, cultural and democratic ties.

 

According to him, the visit provides an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, security collaboration, climate action, education and technological innovation.

 

“It also reflects Nigeria’s growing importance as a key democratic and economic partner in Africa and a responsible participant in global affairs,” Idris added.

 

The minister explained that the interaction with international media was aimed at providing clarity on government policies implemented over the past three years.

 

“As communicators, we thought it was important to engage and explain some of these programmes and policies, answer questions, and provide clarifications where necessary,” he said.

 

President Tinubu is expected to arrive in the United Kingdom on March 18, 2026, with the state visit formally beginning on March 19.

 

During the visit, Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, will be hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle.

 

According to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, the visit will showcase the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom and further strengthen cooperation between both countries.

 

Tinubu will become the fifth Nigerian leader to receive a UK state visit, following Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Yakubu Gowon, Shehu Shagari and Ibrahim Babangida.