Tinubu, the Great: Naija no dey carry last, by Ugoji Egbujo

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu's recent high-profile state visit to the United Kingdom represents more than ceremonial pageantry—it signals a deliberate repositioning of Africa's largest economy within the global power structure and carries significant implications for European investors reassessing their African engagement strategies. The visit, which included formal audiences with the British monarchy, underscores a strategic pivot toward strengthening bilateral relationships with established Western powers. For European entrepreneurs and investors, this development suggests that Nigeria under Tinubu is actively working to rebuild institutional credibility and diplomatic standing, factors that directly influence foreign direct investment flows, bilateral trade agreements, and the regulatory environment for international business operations. Nigeria's recent years have been marked by significant economic challenges: inflation exceeded 25% in 2023, the naira experienced substantial currency depreciation, and infrastructure deficits—particularly in power generation—have constrained business operations across sectors. Tinubu inherited these problems upon assuming office in May 2023, inheriting what he himself had previously criticized as systemic failures in energy management and macroeconomic governance. The symbolic importance of high-level diplomatic engagement cannot be underestimated in emerging markets. When African leaders successfully navigate Western power structures and secure prominent international platforms, it often translates into improved perceptions of institutional stability and rule