Says it will boost Nigeria’s diplomatic profile

The Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) has welcomed the planned state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom, describing the invitation as a sign of Nigeria’s growing relevance on the global stage and recognition of the administration’s diplomatic engagement strategy.

President Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, are expected to embark on a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2026, following an invitation from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

In a statement issued in Abuja by its Director of Press and Communications, Ernest Omo, the organisation said the visit marks a significant moment in Nigeria–United Kingdom relations, noting that state visits represent the highest level of diplomatic engagement between countries.

According to Omo, the visit—reported to be the first of its kind in nearly four decades—will be hosted at Windsor Castle rather than Buckingham Palace, a development the group said underscores the importance attached to both President Tinubu and Nigeria within the Commonwealth of Nations.

The organisation urged Nigerians to view the invitation as evidence of the longstanding relationship between the two countries and a signal of renewed cooperation in areas such as diplomacy, trade, security collaboration and cultural exchange.

HAI noted that Nigeria remains a strategic partner to the United Kingdom and a key economic force in Africa, adding that the visit provides an opportunity for both countries to deepen bilateral engagement and strengthen collaboration on shared priorities.

The group expressed optimism that discussions during the visit would focus on expanding investment opportunities, boosting economic cooperation and advancing joint initiatives in areas including climate action, security and sustainable development.

It added that the engagement would also provide a platform to highlight the contributions of Nigerians living in the United Kingdom while reinforcing educational and cultural partnerships between both countries.

HAI further stated that the visit could attract new investments and technological partnerships to Nigeria while giving the UK an opportunity to strengthen ties with African nations in the evolving global landscape following Brexit.

Commenting on developments at home, the organisation urged Nigerians to support the Tinubu administration, pointing to ongoing economic reforms aimed at stabilising the country’s economy.

Among the reforms cited was the removal of petrol subsidies, which the group said ended persistent fuel shortages and increased revenue available to state governments through the federation account.

The group also referenced the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that more than 1.16 million students have reportedly accessed over ₦206 billion in education loans since the scheme commenced in 2024.

HAI added that the unification of Nigeria’s foreign exchange market had simplified currency management and created a single exchange window for businesses and manufacturers, helping to reduce distortions previously associated with multiple exchange rates.

The organisation also pointed to improvements in macroeconomic indicators, including a reported decline in inflation to 15.10 per cent by January 2026, GDP growth of 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025, and foreign reserves rising to $45.4 billion as of December 2025.

According to the group, Nigeria’s international partnerships have also strengthened under the current administration, particularly with the United States in areas such as counter-terrorism cooperation and financial crime prevention.

It also noted Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

HAI concluded by calling for broader national support for the administration’s policies, noting what it described as increasing cross-party backing for the government’s reform agenda.