President Bola Tinubu is set to commence a state visit to the United Kingdom on Tuesday, accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in what officials describe as a landmark diplomatic engagement.
The visit, at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, will see the Nigerian leader hosted at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19.
It marks the first state visit by a Nigerian president to the UK in 37 years and the first time a Nigerian leader will be formally received by the British monarch at the historic residence.
According to the Presidency, the visit aims to deepen longstanding bilateral relations between both nations, with discussions expected to focus on key areas such as trade, investment, immigration, defence, and cultural cooperation.
During his stay, President Tinubu is scheduled to hold private talks with King Charles III and participate in engagements with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue.
A state banquet would also be hosted by the Royal Family in honour of the Nigerian delegation.
In addition, the President would meet with the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at 10 Downing Street for bilateral discussions expected to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
The meeting is anticipated to culminate in the signing of several agreements, including a major £746 million financing deal involving the UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance.
The deal is aimed at upgrading key infrastructure at the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.
As part of the visit, Tinubu would also attend a Nigerian Modernism exhibition showcasing the country’s art and cultural heritage, as well as engage with business leaders and members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.
A high-level delegation of government officials is accompanying the President, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and several ministers overseeing finance, defence, trade, and foreign affairs.
The Presidency noted that the visit underscores the enduring historical ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom while opening new avenues for strategic collaboration.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the engagements.
