Members of the diplomatic community in Nigeria have expressed support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the reform programme as a strategic framework capable of addressing poverty, insecurity and economic challenges confronting the country.

Speaking during an engagement with diplomats in Abuja, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the Renewed Hope Agenda aligns with the aspirations of Nigeria’s international partners and reflects a people-oriented governance approach capable of driving inclusive growth and democratic consolidation.

The interactive session with members of the diplomatic community formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between Nigeria’s state governments and international partners on governance, investment, development cooperation and democratic reforms.

The meeting, chaired by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, provided a high-level platform for constructive engagement on issues of shared interest, including subnational governance, investment opportunities, security cooperation, climate resilience and partnerships aimed at deepening development across Nigerian states.

Mignot noted that the engagement was relevant to all stakeholders because it offered deeper insights into the policy direction of the Federal Government and the role subnational governments can play in complementing national development efforts.

According to the envoy, governors and other key actors at the state level are closer to the people and are therefore better positioned to tackle poverty, insecurity and other socio-economic challenges more efficiently.

He commended Uzodimma for what he described as an exhaustive analysis of the Renewed Hope Agenda and its expected impact on governance, economic reforms and development outcomes at the forum.

“We see Nigeria as a country of opportunity,” the ambassador stated, while assuring of continued engagement with Nigeria on democratic governance, economic growth and institutional reforms.

The envoy stressed the need for the policies and reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda to translate into tangible improvements in the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians, particularly in areas of job creation, social welfare and economic stability.

Mignot added that the diplomatic community was following with keen interest the forthcoming elections across different levels in the country, stressing the importance of transparency, inclusiveness and democratic consolidation.

The ambassador also referenced earlier discussions with the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, alongside ambassadors from member states, describing the engagement as an opportunity to deepen cooperation and exchange views on Nigeria’s democratic trajectory and reform agenda.

The diplomat further appreciated the openness of Nigerian officials in responding to questions raised by members of the diplomatic corps.
“There is one objective we all subscribe to, and that is progress. Every nation strives to achieve progress,” the envoy added.

Also delivering a goodwill message, the Ambassador of Liberia to Nigeria, John Ballout, expressed appreciation to Uzodimma for presenting what he described as a holistic picture of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Liberian envoy praised Nigeria’s historic role in promoting peace and stability across West Africa, particularly through interventions under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group.

According to the ambassador, Liberia and other countries in the region remain deeply appreciative of Nigeria’s sacrifices in peacekeeping and regional stability efforts.

“We in Liberia regard ourselves as Nigeria’s best friends. Nigeria remains the pace-setter and the big brother in Africa,” the envoy said.

He further assured Nigeria of Liberia’s solidarity and prayers as the country navigates its socio-economic and political challenges.

Similarly, the Ambassador of the Philippines, Mersole J. Mellejor, speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, described the forum as timely and relevant.
The envoy said the engagement created an avenue for the exchange of ideas and strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and countries in the Southeast Asian bloc.

Mellejor acknowledged the policy outcomes being pursued by the administration of President Tinubu and reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to working with Nigeria towards sustainable development, unity and shared prosperity.

Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Sen. Hope Uzodimma in his address explained that the economic reforms introduced under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have significantly strengthened Nigeria’s fiscal position, lifted foreign reserves to $49.4 billion, and increased monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements to between N1.8 trillion and N2.6 trillion.

Uzodimma told the diplomats that the administration’s twin reforms — the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market had fundamentally altered the country’s fiscal outlook and restored investor confidence.

According to him, the reforms, though initially painful, have begun yielding measurable economic benefits across all tiers of government.

He described the removal of petrol subsidy as one of the most consequential anti-corruption measures ever undertaken in Nigeria, arguing that the previous subsidy regime had become a massive conduit for fraud and revenue leakages.

“For decades, the petroleum subsidy regime in Nigeria functioned as the single largest organised corruption pipeline in our public finances,” Uzodimma said.