UK Visit: Criticism of Tinubu’s policies driven by ignorance, mischief — Information Minister

2026-03-16 - 07:47

The Federal Government has dismissed some of the criticisms directed at the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing them as largely stemming from misinformation and deliberate mischief. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the remarks during an engagement with members of the international media in the United Kingdom as part of activities ahead of the president’s state visit to the country. Speaking at the media briefing, Idris acknowledged that the administration’s reform policies had attracted criticisms both within and outside Nigeria, but insisted that many of the reactions were based on inadequate understanding of the government’s objectives and the broader economic realities confronting the country. “We know that Nigeria has had its own fair share of criticism about some of those policies that were instituted back home. Some of the criticisms arise from a lack of adequate knowledge, while others are simply borne out of sheer mischief,” the minister said. Idris emphasized that the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration were designed to reposition Nigeria’s economy and place it on a more sustainable growth path. He noted that the engagement with international media organisations was part of the government’s effort to provide clarity on the administration’s policies and communicate its reform agenda to a global audience ahead of the president’s visit. The minister also highlighted the importance of the upcoming state visit, noting that relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom have remained strong for decades. According to him, the visit presents an opportunity to deepen cooperation between both countries across several strategic sectors. “This visit is significant in many ways. It underscores the historic and strategic relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom — a relationship built on deep diplomatic, economic, cultural and democratic ties,” Idris said. He added that over the years, both countries have maintained robust collaboration in areas such as trade, education, security cooperation, and cultural exchange. “For decades, our two countries have sustained a partnership that spans trade, education, security cooperation, cultural exchange and shared democratic values,” he said. Idris further stated that President Tinubu’s visit would help expand bilateral cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, security collaboration, climate action, education, and technological innovation. The minister noted that the visit also reflects Nigeria’s growing influence as a major democratic and economic partner in Africa, as well as its role in global affairs. “It also reflects Nigeria’s growing importance as a key democratic and economic partner in Africa and a responsible participant in global affairs,” he added. President Tinubu is expected to hold a series of engagements with British officials, business leaders and members of the Nigerian diaspora during the visit, aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.