President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu arrived in the United Kingdom on Tuesday for a two-day state visit, the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
The visit, described as historic by the presidential media team, aims to strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and the UK, focusing on trade, security, investment, and cultural cooperation.
The presidential jet landed at Stansted Airport at 3:23 p.m. local time.
From the airport, the President and the First Lady proceeded to Windsor Castle, where they were welcomed by UK officials, including the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Muhammed Maidugu.
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, described the visit as a “reset” in Nigeria–UK relations.
He highlighted that the trip is expected to deliver substantial benefits, including trade deals, security agreements, and cultural partnerships.
At Stansted, the Nigerian delegation was seen off from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by prominent officials, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
During the visit, President Tinubu is scheduled to meet with King Charles III for private discussions and a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria.
A state banquet hosted by the Royal Family will also take place in honour of the Nigerian guests.
Additionally, Tinubu is set to hold a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street.
These meetings would culminate in the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
A £746 million financing deal between the UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance will be signed to support the refurbishment of the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President would also attend a Nigerian Modernism exhibition showcasing contemporary Nigerian arts and culture.
Furthermore, Tinubu is scheduled to meet with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.
Members of the Nigerian delegation include the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
The state visit marks a significant milestone in Nigeria–UK relations, setting the stage for strengthened diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation.
President Tinubu and the First Lady are expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the visit.
