The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Eghosa Osagie, has described President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom as a critical diplomatic engagement aimed at reinforcing strategic alliances and repositioning Nigeria in a rapidly changing global order.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Osagie said the visit comes at a time of global uncertainty and transition, making it imperative for countries like Nigeria to consolidate relationships with longstanding partners such as the UK.
“The world is in such a fast-paced transition—some call it turbulence, some uncertainty. We are in the throes of a new world order. This is the time to consolidate on the very strong pillars that countries have and reassure ourselves that we are on solid ground with close allies and strong friends.”
He emphasized that Nigeria and the United Kingdom share deep historical ties spanning diplomacy, culture, defence, and trade, noting that both countries remain “strong pillars” for each other.
“Nigeria has very strong historical ties with the United Kingdom. This is the time for friends, allies, and partners to identify with each other. The UK is a strong pillar for Nigeria, just as Nigeria is for the United Kingdom.”
Osagie highlighted that the visit is not merely ceremonial but carries significant geopolitical weight, particularly as it marks the first state visit by an African leader since King Charles III ascended the throne.
“This is a very significant visit. It acknowledges the fact that Nigeria has once again been recognized as one of the global centres of power. This is also the first state visit by any African head of state since King Charles ascended the throne.”
According to Osagie, investment remains the central focus of Nigeria’s engagement with the UK, especially as the country targets a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
“We have investment, we have investment, and we have investment. That is key to strengthening Nigeria towards becoming a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030.”
He noted that Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, including efforts to improve the ease of doing business, are already attracting positive attention from foreign investors.
“Foreign investors acknowledge the very important steps that have been taken. The first thing is to secure agreements—whether MOUs or otherwise—and then we can begin to actualize them.”
He added that sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and the creative economy present significant opportunities for collaboration.
“We have fintech, AI, a young and resilient population, and a very vibrant creative economy. These are opportunities on offer, and the UK already has a feel of that Nigerian dynamism.”
Osagie also stressed the importance of deepening defence ties between both nations, particularly in light of Nigeria’s security challenges.
“The Nigerian military has historically been one of the strongest allies of the British military. At this time of insecurity, it is important to reenact and expand the scope of that collaboration.”
On the issue of reparations, particularly following a Nigerian court ruling ordering compensation over the 1949 Iva Valley massacre, Osagie said the matter remains significant but may not take centre stage during the visit.
“Reparations will never go away. The moral and ethical considerations have led countries like the United Kingdom to offer apologies in the past. Those historical losses cannot be swept under the carpet.”
“We need retributive justice. Independence came at a cost, and those sacrifices must not only be acknowledged but also compensated. However, whether this should feature during this visit, I am not so sure.”
Osagie further pointed to President Tinubu’s cosmopolitan background as an asset in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
“We are probably having the first president of Nigeria that is schooled abroad. His cosmopolitan outlook is reflected in his foreign policy trajectory.”
“From visits to Germany, France, Turkey, and now the United Kingdom, it shows a strong commitment to building partnerships with global centres of power. He is himself a cosmopolitan diplomat.”
He concluded that Nigeria stands to gain significantly from the president’s global engagement strategy.
“Nigeria stands to gain a lot from that trajectory—the emphasis on good relations, good neighbourliness, and strong global partnerships.”
The president is expected to arrive in the United Kingdom as diplomatic and economic discussions intensify, with both nations seeking to expand cooperation across key sectors.
Boluwatife Enome
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