President Bola Tinubu has returned from a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, marking the end of a diplomatic trip focused on strengthening bilateral ties and economic cooperation.
The Nigerian leader, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, departed London on Thursday after a series of high-level engagements with British officials, business leaders, and members of the Nigerian community.
During the visit, Tinubu held talks with King Charles III and attended a state banquet organised in his honour.
He also met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, where both leaders discussed expanding cooperation between their countries amid shared global challenges.
Addressing concerns over economic instability and security pressures, Tinubu noted that both Nigeria and Britain face similar global headwinds, including economic volatility and climate-related threats.
He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration to improve citizens’ welfare and tackle terrorism, particularly in West Africa.
A major outcome of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance and Citibank.
The deal is expected to fund the modernisation of key port infrastructure in Lagos, including the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
The ports are central to Nigeria’s import and export operations and play a critical role in revenue generation and trade facilitation.
The government said the upgrade would reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and boost the country’s overall trade capacity.
Meanwhile, the First Lady participated in a church service at Lambeth Palace, where she delivered a message centred on compassion and unity.
Addressing religious leaders, she stressed that global challenges require not only policy responses but also empathy-driven action.
Oluremi Tinubu also met with senior figures in the Anglican Communion, including Anthony Poggo and representatives of the Church of England, reinforcing Nigeria’s engagement with faith-based institutions.
The visit is considered historic, being the first official trip of its kind by a Nigerian president to the United Kingdom in nearly four decades.
