President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday for a state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, marking the first such visit by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
Royal Engagements: The President and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu will be hosted at Windsor Castle from March 18–19, where they will view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection relating to Nigeria. A state banquet is also planned in their honour.
Bilateral Talks: Tinubu will hold a private meeting with King Charles and later meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. Discussions will cover immigration, trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
Landmark Deal: The visit will witness the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance (UKEF), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Federal Ministry of Finance to refurbish the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and Tin Can Island Port Complex.
Delegation: Tinubu is accompanied by top officials including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, among others.
Significance: The visit underscores Nigeria’s renewed push to strengthen bilateral ties with the UK, expand trade opportunities, and deepen cultural and diplomatic cooperation.
