Public reactions have followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the United Kingdom, as many commentators questioned the appropriateness of the trip at a time when insecurity is increasing in Borno State and several other parts of Nigeria. It will be recalled that President Tinubu travelled to the United Kingdom for an official engagement with British monarch King Charles III. The visit, described as a historic state engagement, marks the first time in nearly forty years that a Nigerian leader has undertaken such a high-level visit to the UK. The President travelled together with the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and members of his delegation have already arrived in London. Aside from the First Lady, the list of government officials who accompanied the President has generated discussions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the size of the entourage. During the visit, the Nigerian leader was formally received at Windsor Castle with full royal ceremony and traditional pageantry. However, several critics have argued that the trip came at the wrong time, especially considering the recent surge in security challenges across the country. Some observers also described the presence of numerous senior officials, including security personnel, as insensitive given the situation at home. A number of political leaders, opposition figures, and security analysts spoke on the development. Officials responsible for security should remain in the country during crisis – Abdullahi Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticised the decision for key government officials to travel abroad while the country is facing security threats. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit was aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, particularly in areas such as immigration cooperation, trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchange. The President travelled alongside the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as well as several high-ranking government officials including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, among others. The trip took place shortly after coordinated bomb explosions occurred in Maiduguri, Borno State. The attacks targeted the Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover area. Reports indicated that the explosions resulted in the death of 23 people, while more than 100 others sustained injuries, raising new concerns about the security situation in the region. Reacting to the development, Abdullahi said the timing of the visit was unfortunate, even if the trip had been scheduled earlier. He stated that officials responsible for protecting citizens should not be outside the country during a national security emergency. He explained that although the visit might have been planned before the incident, many Nigerians expected the President to return immediately after the attacks. He also expressed disappointment at what he described as the absence of urgency, noting that the country is currently facing serious security challenges. According to him, the presence of a large delegation, including individuals directly responsible for national security, gave the impression that the situation at home was not being treated with the seriousness it deserves. UK trip reflects lack of empathy from leadership – Mukhtar Adnan Mukhtar Adnan, a former aspirant for the Kano State House of Assembly, also criticised the President’s decision to travel at a time when the country is dealing with growing security threats. He said the visit created the impression that the leadership lacks empathy toward citizens affected by violence. Adnan further questioned the inclusion of top security officials in the delegation, saying their presence abroad sends the wrong message about the government’s priorities. He stressed that national security should remain the most important responsibility of any administration, particularly when attacks are still occurring in parts of the country. According to him, the trip could have been postponed until the situation improved. He added that if he were in the position of the President, he would have suspended the visit until stability was restored. President’s presence important, but institutions are more critical – Bokaji Retired Army Captain and security analyst Adamu Bokaji offered a more balanced view, saying that while the physical presence of the President can boost morale and show commitment, long-term success against insurgency depends on strong institutions and consistent policies. Speaking on the security situation in Borno State, he described the environment as sensitive and unstable. He noted that although security forces have recorded progress in certain areas, insurgent groups still have the ability to launch attacks, particularly in remote locations. According to him, the current situation shows that the fight against insurgency is still ongoing and requires sustained effort. He explained that the President’s presence can help in decision-making and may encourage security personnel, but real progress depends on effective structures, proper coordination, and long-term strategy. Bokaji also outlined steps the government should take to improve the fight against insurgency. He said intelligence gathering must be strengthened, troop welfare should be improved, and cooperation between security agencies needs to be enhanced. He also advised that surveillance should be increased, especially in areas considered high-risk. More reactions follow UK visit after Borno bomb attacks Several political organisations and public figures also reacted to the bomb explosions in Borno State, expressing concern over the worsening security situation. Among those who spoke were Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Amnesty International. In a statement, the ADC said the safety of citizens must always come before political events and diplomatic engagements. The party urged the President to return to Nigeria immediately and focus on protecting lives and property. Presidency responds to security concerns The Presidency later reacted to the bomb incidents in Borno State. President Tinubu directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri in order to take charge of operations following the attacks. He condemned the explosions, describing them as desperate acts carried out by criminal and terrorist groups attempting to spread fear. According to the President, the attacks are signs that terrorists are under pressure from the armed
As Nigerians ushered in the year 2026, feelings of uncertainty, fear, and cautious hope dominated public conversations across the country. These emotions were largely influenced by the persistent insecurity and the economic adjustments experienced in the previous year, 2025, which deepened hardship for many citizens. Despite these concerns, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his New Year address delivered on January 1, 2026, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future. He assured Nigerians that the economic reforms initiated in 2023 were gradually yielding results and had reached a stage of maturity. According to the President, these reforms are expected to stimulate economic expansion and integrate no fewer than 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activities. In this report, several Nigerians from different professional backgrounds shared their expectations for the Tinubu-led government in 2026, highlighting areas they believe require urgent attention to improve the well-being of citizens compared to the outgoing year. Transparency and Accountability in Tax Reforms A legal practitioner, Sylvester Agih, emphasized that the implementation of newly introduced tax laws would remain a major national issue throughout 2026. He noted that controversies surrounding alleged alterations of gazetted documents could continue to dominate public discourse if not properly addressed. According to him, President Tinubu must approach the enforcement of these tax laws with maturity, openness, and sincerity. He stressed that transparency would be crucial in restoring public confidence in government policies. Agih further stated that accountability should not end at tax collection. He explained that Nigerians deserve to see tangible evidence of how collected taxes translate into improved public services and infrastructure that directly benefit the common citizen. In his view, governance should ultimately reflect service to the people. Tackling Insecurity Across the Nation A Kwara-based entrepreneur and university lecturer, Hassan Alowonle, identified insecurity as his foremost concern for 2026. He urged the President to confront the problem decisively by dismantling all bandit and terrorist networks across the country, regardless of the social or political influence of those involved. Alowonle expressed deep concern over the surge in violent attacks in Kwara State, describing the level of insecurity experienced in 2025 as unprecedented. He lamented that residents now live in constant fear, unable to sleep peacefully, and called for urgent government intervention to restore safety and stability. Support for Farmers and Power Supply Improvement From another perspective, Benedict Onoja, a journalist based between Kaduna and Abuja, appealed to the President to prioritize the welfare of farmers, particularly those in rural and remote areas. He emphasized the importance of making fertilizers readily available and affordable to peasant farmers, noting that agricultural productivity is critical to national food security. Onoja also identified poor electricity supply as a major obstacle to the growth of small-scale businesses, urging the government to address the power sector more aggressively. Additionally, he called for a stronger political will to combat terrorism, especially in farming communities where insecurity has disrupted food production and livelihoods. Personal Resolve Over Government Expectations Offering a contrasting view, Mcfrederick Akor Edache, convener of the Frederick Emergency Response Support Initiative (FREER), stated that he holds no expectations from either the President or the Nigerian state in 2026. He explained that his focus is solely on achieving his personal goals without relying on government intervention or external assistance. While acknowledging that supportive policies could make life easier, he maintained that his aspirations remain independent of political developments. Addressing Unemployment and Fair Recruitment Another Nigerian, Divine Mike, appealed to President Tinubu to introduce policies aimed at reducing unemployment, particularly among young graduates. He lamented the rising unemployment rate and alleged that many public sector job opportunities are often monopolized by influential individuals, leaving qualified candidates unfairly excluded. According to him, this trend has denied many Nigerians the chance to contribute meaningfully to national development. Mike advised the President to adopt transparent recruitment practices similar to those implemented by Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, where employment was based strictly on merit and examination performance rather than political connections. He also urged the President to intensify military action against terrorists and bandits, warning that reliance on foreign intervention could portray the government as weak. In his view, national security should be treated as a priority rather than a political tool. Food Prices, Fuel Costs, and Local Government Autonomy Patience Samuel appealed to the President to take decisive steps to regulate the prices of food items and petroleum products. She expressed concern that fuel prices often remain high at filling stations despite official announcements of reductions by relevant authorities. She also called on the President to enforce full compliance with the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy. According to her, many state governors continue to exert control over local government funds, releasing only a small portion to council chairmen. Samuel argued that this practice has hindered grassroots development and weakened local governance. She suggested that the Federal Government should withhold allocations from states that fail to comply with local government autonomy as a means of enforcing accountability.
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The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed strong confidence that banditry and insurgency in Nigeria will be brought under control in 2026 and the years ahead. He encouraged Nigerians to remain optimistic, united, and committed to sustaining peace across the country despite prevailing security challenges. Akpabio gave this assurance during a special prayer and fasting service held in honour of the Akpabio family at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, located in Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. While addressing worshippers at the event, the Senate President stressed that national growth and development cannot thrive without peace and unity. He called on Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious, and political differences and collectively work toward building a safer and more equitable nation. According to him, the coming year signals renewed hope for the country. He assured citizens that efforts aimed at restoring security are ongoing and will yield positive outcomes. “I wish all Nigerians a prosperous and peaceful new year. I want to reassure everyone that the new year will usher in renewed peace across the nation,” Akpabio stated. Speaking further on Nigeria’s security situation, Akpabio reiterated his belief that the nation would overcome banditry, insurgency, and other criminal threats. He urged Nigerians from all political backgrounds to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility. He noted that strengthened cooperation with international partners remains a key strategy in confronting criminal activities threatening Nigeria’s stability, adding that collaborative security frameworks would further enhance national safety. Reflecting on the spiritual significance of Christmas, Akpabio explained that the birth of Jesus Christ represents redemption, renewal, and hope for humanity. He likened this symbolism to Nigeria’s current struggle with insecurity, expressing belief that the nation would also experience redemption. “God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son to redeem mankind. By that same reason, Nigerians will experience redemption from banditry and insurgency in the new year and beyond,” he said. The Senate President also highlighted the importance of family unity, explaining that peace within families directly contributes to harmony and development at both community and national levels. In her remarks, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, called on members of the Akpabio family to remain supportive of one another. She encouraged them to embrace love, unity, and selflessness while setting aside personal differences for the collective good. Also speaking at the gathering, Chief Ekan Akpabio, head of the Greater Akpabio Family, appealed to family members to continue standing behind Senator Akpabio. He described him as a worthy representative of the family, Essien Udim Local Government Area, and Akwa Ibom State. Chief Akpabio further advised relatives occupying political offices to stay connected to their roots, urging them to consistently prioritize the welfare of their communities and extended family members.
