Nigeria has navigated its way out of dark tunnel – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that Nigeria has overcome a period of economic uncertainty and is now on the path to a brighter future, expressing confidence in the resilience and ingenuity of its people. The President spoke in London at Tate Modern during a reception hosted by the British Government as part of […]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that Nigeria has overcome a period of economic uncertainty and is now on the path to a brighter future, expressing confidence in the resilience and ingenuity of its people.

The President spoke in London at Tate Modern during a reception hosted by the British Government as part of activities marking his state visit, where he also celebrated Nigerians contributing to national development and global influence.

Tinubu praised the creativity of Nigerians, noting that their ability to reinterpret history and culture continues to shape modern identity and progress.

“The theme of the exhibition, Nigeria’s modernism, is more than just a title for an art show. It is a testament to revolution. It tells the story of a generation of Nigerian giants, who in the middle of the 20th century refused to be despised but chose to define themselves,” he said.

He commended the fusion of traditional and contemporary influences in Nigerian art and culture, describing it as a reflection of a people determined to innovate and thrive.

Addressing the country’s economic outlook, the President assured guests that Nigeria had moved past its most difficult phase.

According to him, the nation “has navigated its way out of the dark tunnel of economic uncertainty and hopelessness” and is now advancing toward the prosperity Nigerians expect.

He cautioned against overreliance on negative economic narratives, urging confidence in the capacity of Nigerians to succeed both at home and abroad.

“We have come to renew everybody’s hope. We were elected to do that. And that hope is resonating with a lot of Nigerians. As I stand before you, I can tell you that we’ve navigated our way out of the dark tunnel,” he said.

“The tunnel of economic uncertainty, the hopelessness of the past, but the bright future that we want to bring to each and everyone of us. This is my commitment.

“Yes, like the deputy prime minister already said, the millions of Nigerians working here contributing significantly to the economy here in the UK and back home in remittances to our home.

“I can assure you, I’ve seen what the credit rating is saying of the African economy and I disagree.

“I’ve put that in the Financial Times confidently. But the challenge is not about the people surrounding the indices. It is about us all generating those indices. It is our own determination to say who we are and where we are headed.”

The United Kingdom’s Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, who hosted the reception, highlighted the strength of bilateral relations between both countries.

He said trade between Nigeria and the UK has reached £8.1 billion annually, with over half a million Nigerians contributing to British society.

Lammy also underscored Nigeria’s global cultural impact, particularly in the arts and entertainment sectors, and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to deepening trade and investment ties.

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who moderated the event, spotlighted the achievements of Nigerians occupying key positions across the United Kingdom.

The event was attended by several top government officials, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Also present were Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa; Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Defence Christopher Musa; and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Other dignitaries included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Education Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.