The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has described the recent state visit of President Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom as a strategic turning point in Nigeria-UK relations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu made this known in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze.
The minister said the visit, which took place on March 18 and 19, saw Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, hosted as guests of the British monarchy.
She noted that the visit included high-level engagements, including a meeting with the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at Downing Street.
According to her, the Nigerian delegation received full ceremonial honours, with members of the royal family hosting them at Windsor Castle.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the level of diplomatic reception underscored a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in economic, trade, and security cooperation.
“The visit, hosted by King Charles III, resulted in key agreements, including a £746 million port partnership, while also deepening collaboration across trade, security, and technology,” she said.
She added that discussions also focused on strengthening joint efforts in tackling terrorism and instability, enhancing digital border management, and addressing shared regional security concerns.
The minister further noted that both countries reaffirmed commitment to implementing the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), aimed at building a modern economic alliance beyond historical ties.
She highlighted that the visit opened up investment opportunities in sectors such as mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and fintech, thereby reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key African partner to the UK.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also pointed to the cultural dimension of the visit, noting that Nigeria’s rich heritage and creativity were showcased on the global stage.
She cited an exhibition titled “Nigeria’s Modernism” held at the Tate Modern, where the works and resilience of Nigerian artists were prominently displayed.
At the event, Tinubu praised the contributions of Nigerians to the creative sector, describing the exhibition as a reflection of a generation that defined itself through innovation and resilience.
He also commended the fusion of traditional and contemporary artistic expressions, which he said has produced enduring and globally recognised works.
In his remarks, the UK Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, who hosted a reception in honour of the Nigerian leader and his wife, reaffirmed the strength of the strategic partnership between both nations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that Tinubu’s visit marked the fifth by a Nigerian leader to the UK and the first in 37 years to be accorded a state visit by the British Crown.
