Tinubu Begins Historic UK State Visit After 37 Years, Signs Major Port Deal

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja, Tuesday, March 17, alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for a historic State Visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

During the visit, the British monarch will host the Nigerian leader and his wife at Windsor Castle from March 18 to March 19. The trip marks the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years and the first time a Nigerian president will be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.

Nigeria and the UK share longstanding diplomatic and historical ties. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key areas such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. While at Windsor Castle, the royal hosts will invite President Tinubu and the First Lady to view a special exhibition from the Royal Collection featuring items connected to Nigeria. The King and President are also expected to hold private discussions and meet organisations promoting interfaith dialogue globally.

A State Banquet will be hosted by the Royal Family in honour of the Nigerian delegation. President Tinubu will further engage in bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The meeting is expected to lead to expanded cooperation, including the signing of Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural collaboration.

As part of the visit, the President will witness the signing of a landmark £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance. The deal will support the rehabilitation of key maritime infrastructure, including the Lagos Port Complex and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

President Tinubu will also attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition celebrating contemporary arts and culture, as well as a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and members of the diaspora community.

The President’s delegation includes top government officials such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole.

Other members include Minister of Culture Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Communications Bosun Tijani, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Mohammed Mohammed.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the State Visit.