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A group, the Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has applauded the invitation extended to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the British Monarch, King Charles for a state visit as a turning point in Nigeria’s global acceptance and reckoning.
It said in a statement signed by its Chairman Chukwudi Enekwechi and Secretary Segun Ogedengbe that coming after a thirty-seven-year lull, the royal invitation is a major boost.
The statement reads in part: “We recall that the last time a Nigerian president was hosted by the British royals was in the last lap of the General Ibrahim Babangida’s transition to civil rule programme.
“We believe that the latest invitation to President Tinubu is well merited considering the bold economic reforms and policies being implemented under the current administration.
“There is also no doubt that the state visit coming on the heels of a similar state visit to Turkiye by President Tinubu is a clear demonstration that Nigeria is now gaining favourable global attention, especially as the President has through various policies made the world know that Nigeria is now open and ready for business.
“Apart from the economic policies introduced by the present administration which are now attracting foreign investors in their numbers, the massive road infrastructural development stretching from Lagos-Calabar (coastal highway) and Badagry-Sokoto highway is meant to reposition Nigeria for economic development and foreign direct investments.
“We are confident that the state visit will allow the United Kingdom and Nigeria to harness their bilateral relations for the benefit of the citizens of both countries.
“There is also no doubt that the state visit will enhance trade and commerce, technology and many other areas of common interest, especially in opening up opportunities for more exports from Nigeria to the United Kingdom.
“We also note that the visit will help boost Nigeria’s balance of trade with the United Kingdom which stood at Euro 8.1 billion in 2024-2025 with a trade surplus favouring the United Kingdom and help position Nigeria as an investment destination.”
The group added that the state visit would provide an opportunity for Nigeria to seek more favourable trade deals with the United Kingdom, as well as canvass for more investments by British companies in the country.
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