Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja on Tuesday for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom, marking the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years. The President and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, left Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport aboard an Airbus A330 at approximately 10:00 am.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Tinubus will be guests of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19. President Tinubu will be the first Nigerian leader hosted by the British monarch at the historic residence.
“Nigeria and the United Kingdom share a deep history of ties and a special bond. The purpose of this visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange,” the statement said.
The visit will include a state banquet hosted by the Royal Family, private discussions with the King, and a viewing of a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria. The King and President will also meet with organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue.
President Tinubu will hold a bilateral meeting with Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which will lead to expanded engagement between senior officials of both nations. The meetings will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
A major highlight of the visit will be the signing of a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance to support the refurbishment of the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President will also attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing modern arts and culture, and meet with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community.
Members of the President’s delegation include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Ministers Dele Alake, Idris Mohammed, Wale Edun, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Hannatu Musawa, Bosun Tijani, General Christopher Musa (retd.), National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Mohammed Mohammed.
The last Nigerian state visit to the United Kingdom was in 1989, when President Ibrahim Babangida visited Queen Elizabeth II. President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the state visit.
