Tinubu to begin historic state visit to the UK

Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday for an official state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

According to a statement issued on Monday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian president will be accompanied by the first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, during the visit.

The British monarch will host the Nigerian leader and his wife at Windsor Castle from Wednesday to Thursday as part of the official programme for the state visit.

The trip is expected to mark the first time in 37 years that a Nigerian leader is hosted by the British monarch for a formal state visit at Windsor Castle.

Officials say the visit reflects the longstanding diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, which share historical, economic and cultural links dating back decades.

The presidency noted that discussions during the visit are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries, particularly in areas such as trade, immigration, investment and cultural exchange.

As part of the programme at Windsor Castle, the royal hosts will also invite Tinubu and the first lady to view a special exhibition from the Royal Collection featuring artefacts connected to Nigeria.

The Nigerian president is also expected to hold private discussions with King Charles and participate in meetings with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue at national and international levels.

A state banquet will later be hosted by members of the Royal Family in honour of the Nigerian delegation.

Bilateral talks, economic agreements on agenda

During the visit, Tinubu is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, at 10 Downing Street.

The meeting is expected to deepen diplomatic engagement between both countries and strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.

Officials said the discussions will culminate in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding covering areas such as trade, defence, investment and cultural cooperation.

One of the major agreements expected during the visit is a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance and Nigerian authorities.

The financing package will support the refurbishment of two major maritime facilities in Lagos: the Lagos Port Complex at Apapa and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

The port upgrades are aimed at improving Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and boosting trade capacity at some of the country’s busiest shipping hubs.

Beyond diplomatic meetings, the president is also scheduled to attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, an event showcasing modern Nigerian art and cultural expression.

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He will additionally participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the Nigerian diaspora community in the United Kingdom.

Senior officials accompany the president

Several top Nigerian government officials are part of the presidential delegation for the visit.

Among them are Godswill Akpabio, president of the Senate; Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general and minister of justice; and Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development.

Other officials on the trip include Wale Edun, minister of finance; Jumoke Oduwole, minister of industry, trade and investment; and Hannatu Musawa, minister of culture and creative economy.

Also accompanying the president are Bosun Tijani, minister of communications and digital economy; Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff; Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser; and Mohammed Mohammed, director-general of the National Intelligence Agency.

Government officials say the visit aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between both countries while creating new opportunities for cooperation in key sectors.

The president is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the state visit.