Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that some criticisms directed at the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stem from misinformation and what he described as “sheer mischief.”
Idris made the remarks during an engagement with members of the international media in the United Kingdom ahead of the president’s scheduled state visit to the country.
According to the minister, the Nigerian government acknowledges that recent policy reforms have attracted public reactions, but noted that some criticisms arise from a lack of proper understanding of the initiatives introduced by the administration.
He explained that the engagement with the foreign media was organised to provide clarity on government programmes and policies implemented in the past few years.
Idris also emphasised the importance of the upcoming visit, describing it as a significant diplomatic engagement that would further strengthen long-standing ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
He noted that both countries have maintained decades of cooperation spanning trade, education, security collaboration, cultural exchange and shared democratic values.
According to him, the state visit by Tinubu will create opportunities to deepen collaboration in key areas including investment, security, climate action, technological innovation and education.
The minister added that Nigeria remains an important democratic and economic partner in Africa and continues to play an active role in global affairs.
President Tinubu is expected to be hosted by King Charles III during the visit, which will combine ceremonial royal events with high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
Ahead of the visit, King Charles recently hosted members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK at a reception that featured Nigerian cuisine and music by Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra.
Security arrangements have also been intensified around Windsor Castle, where airspace restrictions and additional security deployments are expected during the president’s stay.
The visit marks the first official state visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years.
