Tinubu begins historic state visit to UK Tuesday

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader will be accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for the visit.
Onanuga said the British monarch will host the Nigerian President and his wife at Windsor Castle from March 18 to March 19.

He described the trip as historic, noting that it would be the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years and the first time a Nigerian president would be hosted by a British monarch at Windsor Castle.

“The state visit is the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years. President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle,” the statement read.

The presidency said the visit aims to strengthen long-standing bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom and explore new opportunities for collaboration in areas including immigration, trade, investment and cultural exchange.

During the visit, King Charles will host President Tinubu and the First Lady to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria. Both leaders are also expected to hold private discussions and meet organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue.

A state banquet will be organised by the Royal Family in honour of the Nigerian delegation.

President Tinubu will also meet with the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at 10 Downing Street in London. The meeting is expected to lead to expanded bilateral engagement between officials of both countries and the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence and cultural cooperation.

The Nigerian leader will also witness the signing of a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance. The agreement is aimed at supporting the refurbishment of the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

As part of the engagements, the President will attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition highlighting modern Nigerian arts and culture, and a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the diaspora community.

Members of the President’s entourage include Godswill Akpabio, Lateef Fagbemi, Dele Alake, Mohammed Idris, Bianca Ojukwu, Wale Edun, Jumoke Oduwole, Hannatu Musawa, Bosun Tijani, Christopher Musa, Nuhu Ribadu, and Mohammed Mohammed.

The presidency said President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the state visit.