President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, departed Abuja on Tuesday for a state visit to the United Kingdom, marking the first such visit by a Nigerian president in 37 years. Their flight left Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10:00 a.m.
They were seen off by a delegation led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and other government officials.
The visit, which includes a historic audience with the British monarch at Windsor Castle, aims to strengthen bilateral relations and explore collaboration on immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. At Windsor Castle, King Charles will host a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria.
The President and First Lady will also meet with organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue and attend a state banquet hosted by the Royal Family.
“President Tinubu will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which will lead to expanded bilateral engagement between senior officials of the two countries. The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation,” the presidency said in a statement.
During the visit, President Tinubu will witness the signing of a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance to support the refurbishment of the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and Tin Can Island Port Complex.
He will also be guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition showcasing modern arts and culture and will attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community.
Members of the President’s entourage include Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi; Ministers Dele Alake, Idris Mohammed, Bianca Ojukwu, Wale Edun, Jumoke Oduwole, Hannatu Musawa, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (retd.); National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Mohammed Mohammed.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the state visit.
