President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu arrived at Stansted Airport in the United Kingdom on Tuesday afternoon, marking the beginning of a historic state visit.
The presidential aircraft touched down shortly after 3:00 p.m. local time under clear skies. The arrival was confirmed in a post shared on X by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, who noted that the visit had officially commenced.
According to Dare, the aircraft taxied to a halt before the President and the First Lady disembarked, signalling the start of a trip described as a milestone in Nigeria–UK relations.
The visit follows an invitation extended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. It is the first Nigerian state visit to the United Kingdom since 1989 and the first time a Nigerian leader will be hosted at Windsor Castle.
A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, revealed that the President and First Lady will be guests of the British monarchs at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19.
During the visit, President Tinubu is scheduled to attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, highlighting the country’s art and cultural heritage. He will also participate in a high-level reception with Nigerian and British business leaders, as well as members of the diaspora community.
In addition, the President and King Charles III will engage with organisations promoting interfaith dialogue on both national and international levels.
A key highlight of the trip will be a bilateral meeting between President Tinubu and Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The meeting is expected to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between both nations.
The discussions will culminate in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
President Tinubu will also witness the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance. The deal is aimed at refurbishing critical maritime infrastructure, including the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and several cabinet members such as Lateef Fagbemi, Dele Alake, Wale Edun, and Bosun Tijani.
Other officials on the trip include Nuhu Ribadu and senior security and intelligence chiefs, underscoring the importance of the visit.
The state visit is expected to deepen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, opening new opportunities for collaboration across multiple sectors.
