President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, has arrived in the United Kingdom for a two-day state visit aimed at deepening political, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.
According to the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the presidential aircraft landed at London’s Stansted Airport at 3:23 p.m. local time. From the airport, the President and First Lady proceeded to Windsor Castle, where the British monarch will host them in a series of official engagements.
Dare described the visit as “historic,” noting that it represents a reset in Nigeria-UK relations, with expectations for significant trade, security, and investment agreements.
President Tinubu departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday. He was seen off by a high-profile delegation that included the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and other senior officials.
This visit marks the first UK state visit by a Nigerian leader in 37 years and the first time a Nigerian president will be formally hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.
Key Engagements
At Windsor Castle, President Tinubu and the First Lady will:
View a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria.
Attend private discussions with King Charles III and meet with organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue.
Participate in a state banquet hosted by the Royal Family.
President Tinubu will also hold a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which will pave the way for expanded cooperation between senior officials of both countries. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural exchange are expected to be signed.
Major Investment Deal
The state visit will feature the signing of a landmark £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance (UKEF), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Federal Ministry of Finance. The deal aims to refurbish two key maritime infrastructures: Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and Tin Can Island Port Complex.
Cultural and Economic Engagement
President Tinubu will be the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing Nigerian art and culture, and will attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community.
Presidential Entourage
Members of the Nigerian delegation include:
Godswill Akpabio, Lateef Fagbemi, Dele Alake, Idris Mohammed, Bianca Ojukwu, Wale Edun, and Jumoke Oduwole.
Others include Hannatu Musawa, Bosun Tijani, General Christopher Musa, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and Mohammed Mohammed.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the visit.
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