By Our Correspondent
National News – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom following an invitation from King Charles III and Queen Camilla, marking a significant moment in diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the UK.
The trip is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation across key sectors including immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader will be accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and several senior members of the Federal Executive Council.
The visit underscores growing engagement between both nations as they seek deeper economic and diplomatic partnerships.
The British monarch is expected to host President Tinubu and the First Lady at Windsor Castle between March 18 and March 19.
During the event, both leaders will tour a special exhibition from the Royal Collection featuring historic artefacts and items linked to Nigeria.
The visit is notable because it represents the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in about 37 years.
Beyond ceremonial engagements, the Nigerian president will hold private discussions with King Charles III and participate in meetings with organisations promoting interfaith dialogue and global cooperation.
A major highlight of the visit will be the signing of a £746 million financing agreement involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance.
The funding is expected to support the rehabilitation of two critical maritime facilities — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex, both of which play vital roles in Nigeria’s international trade.
President Tinubu is also scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street for bilateral talks aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence, and cultural exchange.
Members of the Nigerian delegation include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, Information Minister Mohammed Idris, Finance Minister Wale Edun, Communications Minister Bosun Tijani, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, among others.
The visit is expected to deepen diplomatic ties and open new economic opportunities between both countries.
