The Bola Tinubu administration has faced criticism over its decision to hold an international press conference in London aimed at highlighting its achievements.

Bode Adeyemi, Internal Project Coordinator of the President Bola Tinubu Midterm Legacy Projects Review Committee, announced on Tuesday that the event seeks to reshape global perceptions of Nigeria’s governance under Tinubu’s leadership.

The conference is expected to feature a high-profile delegation, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, among others.

However, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, sang an optimistic tune, stressing that Nigeria’s economy is experiencing significant progress, driven by bold reforms, improved coordination, and a renewed focus on national priorities.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), however, has criticised the initiative, calling it an extravagant and tone-deaf public relations exercise amidst worsening economic conditions in the country.

National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, condemned the conference as a “monumental show of irresponsibility” and a mockery of millions of Nigerians enduring hardship.

The group also described the move as a misuse of public funds and an attempt to whitewash the administration’s performance, which it claims has been marred by economic mismanagement, escalating insecurity, and poor public service delivery.

“It is both disgraceful and inexcusable that ministers who have failed to communicate transparently with Nigerians at home and have not delivered real improvements in people’s lives are now jetting off to London to tell foreigners fairytales of imaginary success stories,” said Onwubiko.

The group questioned the rationale for hosting such a major press event outside the country, accusing the government of staging a vanity project to court foreign approval while neglecting critical issues at home.

“Is it in London that the Tinubu government suddenly finds Nigerians who need to be told what they have ‘achieved’? Or is this just another elitist vanity project to launder the administration’s image abroad?” HURIWA queried.

The association cited policies such as the fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation as examples of reforms that have led to greater hardship for ordinary Nigerians. It argued that the press conference represents a deliberate effort to shift attention away from the realities of hunger, inflation, joblessness, and insecurity gripping the nation.

“It is hypocritical for the same ministers who demand sacrifices from ordinary Nigerians to embark on a luxury tour of Europe, pretending to promote legacy projects,” HURIWA added.

The group also raised transparency concerns, questioning whether the National Assembly approved the expenditure for the trip and whether Nigerians were informed of its cost and purpose.

HURIWA took a swipe at the APC UK Chapter Chairman, Tunde Doherty, for suggesting that the event would present the correct narrative, warning against any attempt to mislead the global community about Nigeria’s domestic situation.

“No amount of choreographed press conferences in London can erase the suffering of Nigerians,” the group stated.

Calling for the immediate cancellation of the event, HURIWA urged President Tinubu to recall his ministers and focus on resolving the country’s deepening challenges. It further called on the National Assembly to summon the ministers and demand full accountability.

“The people deserve better. Nigeria deserves leaders who will stay at home, roll up their sleeves, and work for the common good; not those who seek global validation while their citizens suffer,” HURIWA said.

Similarly, Adeola Ogunlade, a Lagos-based civil society organiser, asked, “Why fly to London to ‘correct perceptions’ when Nigerians at home are hungry and angry? This trip reeks of elitism. How does showcasing ‘achievements’ abroad address the fact that families are skipping meals or that workers can’t afford transportation?”

For his part, economist Tope Fajemirokun noted, “This trip isn’t for ordinary Nigerians. It’s for foreign investors and a privileged few. But no PowerPoint presentation in London will erase the fact that this government has yet to deliver tangible relief to its people.”

Bagudu highlights economic reforms, optimistic about Nigeria’s progress
In an interview for an upcoming TV documentary marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary, Bagudu asserted that the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering results and attracting investor confidence locally and internationally.

“This is two years well spent,” Bagudu stated, reaffirming the administration’s dedication to economic reforms. “Mr President confronted Nigeria’s economic realities with bold and necessary choices, tough as they might be, and those measures are now yielding results.”

He highlighted four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, exchange rate stability, and growing private sector confidence as key indicators of the economy’s transformation. “We have seen four quarters of successive economic growth, stability in foreign exchange, and appreciation by Nigerians and the international community. Rating agencies have consistently appreciated what we are doing,” he said.

Bagudu further noted that foreign and domestic investors have responded positively, particularly in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. “We have seen investors from Brazil, Belarus, and Saudi Arabia increasingly entering our agricultural space. The world economic community and multilateral institutions are putting more faith in our economy.”

This renewed investor interest, he said, stems from the administration’s commitment to credibility, transparency, and structural change. “Investors want to see good policy: Can I get paid back? Are the numbers credible? Is the environment transparent? That’s why they appreciate when they see quarterly GDP growth,” Bagudu explained.

He emphasised the significance of domestic oil refining, stating, “For the first time in 25 years, Nigeria is refining oil. Mr President was courageous enough to allow crude sale in naira to our refiners. This is a testament to his belief in our economy.”

Bagudu described the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market as transformative steps restoring fiscal discipline. “We were losing five per cent of our GDP on fuel subsidy; money going to just a few,” he said. “Mr President took the courageous step to end it.”

He added, “The foreign exchange reform removed uncertainty and favouritism. We now have a fair market—willing buyer, willing seller—which has generated revenue growth and boosted private sector confidence.”

The minister stated that the 2024 and 2025 budgets reflect a balance between fiscal responsibility and strategic investment in priority sectors. “We have increased spending in health, education, infrastructure, security, and technology. The 2024 budget achieved significant deficit reduction, and more importantly, it showed that we are serious—and the markets believed us.”

Bagudu also commended Tinubu’s respect for the rule of law in handling inherited debt and Central Bank financing. “Mr President inherited N22.7 trillion in Ways and Means financing, but he insisted on respecting the Central Bank’s independence. That discipline is earning us credibility globally.”

British envoy praises Tinubu’s reforms, calls Nigeria ‘more investible’
Similarly, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as “big and bold” initiatives transforming Nigeria into a more attractive destination for investors.

At a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, Montgomery highlighted the United Kingdom’s growing interest in Nigeria, attributing it to the positive outcomes of recent economic policies.

“I’ve been very public previously about commending the big and bold economic reforms being taken by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Montgomery said.

The High Commissioner pointed to the abolition of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate system as significant strides towards achieving economic stability. According to him, these policy measures are already producing results and enhancing Nigeria’s appeal to investors.

“My headline this morning is that these economic reforms are paying off, and they are now making Nigeria more investible,” he stated.

Montgomery acknowledged the economic challenges Nigerians face, particularly rising inflation, which he noted remains in the mid-20 per cent range. He admitted that while the reforms are transformative, their full benefits will take time to materialise.

“I realise that some of these reforms for ordinary people are painful. Inflation is still high, it’s in the 20 per cent territory, the mid-20s. And it’s going to take time to bring that rate down,” he remarked.

Despite these challenges, the High Commissioner expressed optimism, predicting a gradual reduction in inflation over the coming months and years. He stated that such progress would further solidify Nigeria’s position as a hub for investment.

Oshiomhole: Tinubu inherited ‘badly mismanaged’ economy
Relatedly, the Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, expressed assurance that Nigeria has a better deal under Tinubu, alleging that the President had inherited a poorly managed economy from the previous administration.

“Truly, this country was badly mismanaged. The economy was badly mismanaged. This is not to blame anyone. That is to speak to facts. So I think we can say the worst is over. We are going to begin to witness improvement in the quality of the standard of living,” he said.

Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State, stated that Tinubu had laid out plans to revitalise Nigeria’s economy within 24 months of assuming office in May 2023.

During a recent interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Oshiomhole criticised the previous administration for allegedly misusing the Ways and Means tool, which he claimed had exacerbated economic challenges.

“If you have a look at the balance sheet that this president inherited, arising from the very reckless use or rather misuse of ways and means, in which the bank or the government of the day put back notes in trillions of naira that were not supported by any economic fundamentals,” Oshiomhole said.

He further argued that the excessive printing of money had driven up the exchange rate and increased the cost of living. “If you know how much was printed, and this volume of money was chasing the limited naira that we had. That explained today’s exchange rate regime, where you now have to reconcile supply with demand. The consequential increase in cost of living was predictable. If that was not done, Nigeria was on its way to Zimbabwe,” he remarked.

FEC meeting cancelled without official explanation
Meanwhile, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for yesterday was unexpectedly cancelled, with no official statement provided to explain the development.

The FEC, which usually convenes at the State House in Abuja under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is responsible for shaping national policies, approving budgets, and overseeing major government projects.

Although the cabinet met on Monday, it failed to address the backlog of Executive Council Memoranda (ECM) and other pending matters.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had earlier announced that the council would reconvene yesterday to review and process outstanding policy documents.

The minister also hinted at the possibility of holding FEC meetings more frequently to expedite decision-making and resolve long-standing issues requiring urgent attention.

“Council has decided to fast-track its decision-making process. We will sit again in two days to consider more pressing matters,” Idris stated, adding that the President is keen to clear backlogs and ensure responsive governance.