President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Abuja on Tuesday for an official state visit to the United Kingdom following an invitation from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The visit, which will include Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and several members of the president’s cabinet, is aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the royal family will host the Nigerian delegation at Windsor Castle from March 18 to March 19.
During the visit, the Nigerian leader and his wife will attend a special exhibition featuring artefacts from the Royal Collection connected to Nigeria’s history.
The trip marks a significant diplomatic moment, as it will be the first official state visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years. Tinubu is also expected to become the first Nigerian president to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.
Beyond ceremonial events, the visit will focus heavily on strengthening cooperation between both countries in key areas including immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
One of the major highlights of the trip 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 will support the rehabilitation of two major maritime facilities in Nigeria — the Lagos Port Complex and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
Tinubu is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where discussions are expected to focus on expanding economic cooperation and strengthening diplomatic ties between both nations.
The meeting is expected to result in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding covering areas such as trade, investment, defence cooperation, and cultural partnerships.
Members of the president’s delegation include Godswill Akpabio, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu.
Other officials expected to accompany the president include Finance Minister Wale Edun, Trade Minister Jumoke Oduwole, Culture Minister Hannatu Musawa, Communications Minister Bosun Tijani, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Mohammed Mohammed.
Diplomatic observers say the visit could open new opportunities for economic collaboration, investment partnerships and strategic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
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