Group Declares Tinubu’s UK State Visit As Triumph For Nigerians

A civil society group, the Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative (GMI), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his state visit to the United Kingdom (UK). It described the trip as a landmark achievement that directly benefits ordinary Nigerians.

Its national coordinator, Samaila Musa, said the visit, which starts today, at the invitation of King Charles III, marked a turning point in Nigeria’s global standing, noting that it was the first of such high-level engagement in 37 years.

The group described the outing as more than ceremonial, stressing that it reflected Nigeria’s re-emergence as a key player on the global stage.

According to Musa, the visit carried tangible economic and social benefits for the citizens, particularly at the grassroots level.

Musa highlighted a £746 million agreement to refurbish the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports as one of the major gains of the trip. He noted that improved port infrastructure would enhance the speed of goods clearance and ultimately reduce the cost of commodities in local markets.

He also pointed to engagements with British business leaders and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in trade and solid minerals as steps toward job creation, especially for young Nigerians. GMI added that bilateral discussions on defence and security would strengthen efforts to combat insecurity, thereby enabling farmers to safely return to their farmlands.

It further applauded the cultural aspect of the visit, citing the showcasing of Nigerian art and heritage at Windsor Castle by President Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a source of national pride.

The organisation, however, condemned what it described as a “fake and fabricated” social media post attributed to US President Donald Trump, which allegedly criticised the visit. GMI dismissed the post as a forgery aimed at undermining Nigeria’s diplomatic progress.