President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians at home and abroad that the country has emerged from what he described as a “dark tunnel of economic uncertainty,” expressing optimism about Nigeria’s economic future.
The President made the remarks during an exhibition in the United Kingdom as part of his two-day state visit, urging Nigerians to remain hopeful and embrace positive narratives about the country.
According to Tinubu, his administration was elected to renew the hope of Nigerians, insisting that the vision of economic recovery and national progress is gradually taking shape.
“As I stand before you, I can tell you that we’ve navigated our way out of the dark tunnel — the tunnel of economic uncertainty and the hopelessness of the past — toward the bright future that we want to bring to each and every one of you,” the President said.
He encouraged Nigerians to maintain optimism and continue supporting efforts aimed at rebuilding the country’s economy.
Tinubu also promised to remain an inspiring leader, urging citizens to keep faith in Nigeria’s future.
“It is you and I who must embrace what is positive about Africa, particularly Nigeria, and I promise you I will continue to be that inspiring leader. Keep your efforts and your hearts focused in a positive direction. Keep hope alive in your body and soul. Let’s do it together. I promise you the changes will be here,” he added.
The President also referenced debates about Africa’s economic outlook, saying he disagreed with some external credit ratings of African economies and stressed that the continent must define its own narrative through determination and productivity.
He said the theme of the exhibition, Nigeria’s Modernism, reflected the story of a generation of Nigerian pioneers who refused to be defined by colonial perspectives.
“As I walk through this hall, I see the true spirit of Nigeria — people who take the best of the world in techniques and infuse them with the ancient, unbreakable ribbon of our heritage. This is the Nigeria we know and the Nigeria we are hoping to build,” he said.
Tinubu has been in the United Kingdom since Tuesday on a historic state visit — the first by a Nigerian president in nearly four decades.
During the visit, he was received with ceremonial honours by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
The President also attended a state banquet hosted by King Charles III and later met with the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at 10 Downing Street in London.
As part of the visit, Tinubu witnessed the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance, led by Wale Edun, and Citibank to modernise the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
Meanwhile, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, visited Lambeth Palace in London where she interacted with religious leaders and representatives of the Church of England, including Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, and Emma Ineson, acting Bishop of London.
The visit forms part of broader diplomatic and economic engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom
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2026-03-20