The Federal Government has said that some of the criticisms directed at the policies of President Bola Tinubu are driven by misinformation and deliberate attempts to misrepresent the administration’s reforms.
The Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the remark during an engagement with members of the international media in the United Kingdom ahead of the president’s planned state visit.
Idris, who led a delegation of ministers and presidential aides, said many of the concerns raised about government policies were based on a lack of proper understanding of the reforms introduced by the administration.
“We know that Nigeria has had its fair share of criticism about some of the policies instituted back home, some arising from lack of adequate knowledge and others from sheer mischief,” he said.
According to the minister, the engagement with international journalists was aimed at explaining the government’s programmes and providing clarity on reforms introduced over the past few years.
He noted that the state visit to the UK presents an important opportunity to further strengthen the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Idris described the visit as significant, pointing out that the two countries share deep diplomatic, economic, cultural, and democratic ties that have developed over several decades.
“For decades, our two countries have maintained partnerships that cut across trade, education, security cooperation, cultural exchange, and shared democratic values,” he said.
He added that the visit would help deepen collaboration in key areas such as trade and investment, security cooperation, climate action, education, and technological innovation.
The minister also said the engagement with the international media would allow journalists to ask questions, seek clarifications, and better understand the government’s programmes.
During the visit, President Tinubu is expected to be hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, in what is being described as a significant moment in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The visit will combine ceremonial royal traditions with high-level meetings aimed at strengthening economic, diplomatic, and strategic ties between Nigeria and the UK.
Ahead of the visit, King Charles III recently hosted members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK at a reception. The event featured Nigerian cuisine, including Jollof Rice, and live music performed by Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra.
In a post on its official social media account, the British Royal Family described the gathering as a “wonderful evening” and thanked members of the Nigerian community who attended.
Meanwhile, security preparations have intensified ahead of the state visit. Authorities in the UK have reportedly activated temporary airspace restrictions around Windsor Castle for the day of the event.
Security measures expected to be deployed include armed officers, search teams, mounted police units, road policing teams, and specialised security operations supported by surveillance systems across the Windsor area.
The Royal Family had earlier confirmed that the Nigerian president, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, accepted an invitation to visit the UK from March 18 to March 19, 2026.
