President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday departed Abuja for a landmark state visit to the United Kingdom—the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
The President, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10:00 am aboard an Airbus A330.
Royal reception at Windsor Castle
According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19.
This marks the first time a Nigerian President will be received by a British monarch at Windsor Castle, underscoring the significance of the visit.
The visit will feature a state banquet, private meetings with the monarch, and a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection linked to Nigeria.
Strengthening Nigeria–UK ties
Officials say the trip is aimed at deepening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the UK, with focus areas including trade, investment, immigration, and cultural exchange.
President Tinubu is also scheduled to hold high-level talks with Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, expected to culminate in the signing of key agreements spanning defence, economic cooperation, and culture.
Major port infrastructure deal
A major highlight of the visit will be the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance.
The deal is expected to fund the rehabilitation of two critical maritime hubs—the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex—in a move aimed at boosting Nigeria’s trade capacity.
Engagements with business and diaspora
Beyond official meetings, the President will attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, celebrating Nigerian art and culture, and participate in engagements with business leaders and the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.
He is also expected to join discussions with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue, both locally and internationally.
High-powered delegation
Tinubu is travelling with a high-level delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Finance Minister Wale Edun, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and several cabinet members.
A historic return
The last Nigerian state visit to the UK was in 1989, when Ibrahim Babangida met with Queen Elizabeth II.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the visit, which analysts say could mark a new chapter in Nigeria–UK relations.
