President Bola Tinubu’s administration has received praise from the United Kingdom over its economic reforms, with British officials saying the policies are beginning to yield positive results despite the challenges that accompanied their implementation.
Speaking at the fourth UK–Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP4) dialogue in Abuja, UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell described Nigeria’s economic progress as a success story that highlights the benefits of difficult but necessary policy decisions.
Powell said the reforms are contributing to economic recovery and growth, adding that Nigeria’s influence across Africa continues to expand. He described Nigeria as an African superpower and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the country.
According to him, Nigeria remains the United Kingdom’s most important partner in Africa and plays a critical role in promoting regional stability and addressing security challenges across the continent.
Also speaking at the event, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu stressed the Federal Government’s commitment to democratic governance, human rights and the rule of law in addressing insecurity.
Ribadu warned that emerging threats such as cybercrime, the misuse of artificial intelligence and illicit financial networks are reshaping the global security environment. He called for stronger international cooperation, improved intelligence sharing and greater investment in technology to tackle these challenges.
He also welcomed the UK’s support in cybersecurity and information resilience, noting that collaboration between both countries has expanded significantly since the launch of the UK–Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership in 2022.
According to Ribadu, the partnership has strengthened cooperation in areas including counterterrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, crisis response and intelligence sharing, while improving Nigeria’s institutional and operational capabilities.
