The Director-General of the Progressive Institute (TPI), Dr Lanre Adebayo, has described the planned state visit to the United Kingdom by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as evidence of renewed international confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and reform agenda.
Adebayo spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between TPI, the Progressive Local Governments Chairmen’s Forum, and other party stakeholders.
He noted that the proposed visit, coming more than three decades after a similar high-level engagement by a Nigerian president, signals a resurgence in Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.
According to him, the development indicates that Nigeria is regaining prominence in bilateral and multilateral relations and reflects an improved global perception of the country.
“The invitation to President Tinubu demonstrates that Nigeria is being recognised once again as a serious global partner,” Adebayo said. “It underscores the growing relevance of our country in diplomacy, economic cooperation, and security partnerships.”
He attributed the renewed global acceptance to policy measures undertaken by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he described as a necessary reform.
Adebayo said the policy had released fiscal resources, eased pressure on public finances, reduced fuel smuggling and increased allocations to states and local government councils.
“The resources previously tied to subsidy payments are now being redirected to infrastructure, social investments, and support for sub-national governments,” he stated.
The DG also applauded the introduction and implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He noted that the policy has expanded access to tertiary education for hundreds of thousands of indigent students.
On the country’s fiscal policy, the TPI boss commended the various reforms in the sector, which he claimed helped to strengthen investor confidence and reposition the country within the global financial system.
“Investor confidence has improved significantly. Companies that left the country before this administration are returning, while new investors are showing interest,” he said.
Commending the bold and result-oriented efforts at addressing security challenges, Adebayo expressed confidence that enhanced collaboration with international partners, including the United States and the United Kingdom, in combating insecurity, will soon be feasible.
The TPI boss then highlighted that the institute’s mandate is to document government policies, track progress, and provide a platform for collaboration among the private sector, development partners, and the media, with a view to disseminating and enlightening the people about the efforts of the government.
He disclosed plans to convene a national retreat on policy communication to deepen public understanding of reforms.
One of the critical stakeholders and Chairman Progressive Local Government Chairmen’s Forum, Dr. Jinrin Mustapha, called on party leaders to propagate the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration, assuring continued support for the Institute’s objectives.
Also speaking, Managing Director of Jade and Jayden Services Limited, James Williams, said the partnership with TPI would support transparent reporting of reform progress and strengthen institutional credibility.
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