President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to embark on a historic state visit to the United Kingdom, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, following an official invitation from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the visit marks the first time in 37 years that a Nigerian leader will undertake such a state engagement in the UK. It also makes Tinubu the first Nigerian president to be hosted at Windsor Castle by the British monarch.
The visit, scheduled from March 18 to March 19, is expected to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with key discussions centered on immigration, trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
During the visit, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady will be hosted at Windsor Castle, where they will participate in a series of high-level engagements. These include private talks with King Charles III, meetings with interfaith organisations, and attendance at a State Banquet in their honour.
A major highlight of the visit will be the signing of strategic agreements, including a £746 million financing deal between the UK Export Finance and the Nigerian Ports Authority, alongside Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance. The deal is aimed at rehabilitating key maritime infrastructure, notably the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
President Tinubu is also expected to hold talks with Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where additional Memoranda of Understanding will be finalised to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties.
Beyond official engagements, the President will attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition showcasing the country’s cultural heritage and participate in a reception with business leaders and members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.
An advance team of senior Nigerian government officials is already in the United Kingdom to facilitate the visit and ensure the smooth execution of planned activities.
Members of the President’s delegation include top government officials such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (rtd), National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Communications Bosun Tijani, among others.
The state visit underscores Nigeria’s renewed push to strengthen international partnerships and attract foreign investment, particularly in critical sectors of the economy.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the visit.
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