Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday departed Abuja for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
The presidential aircraft took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10:00 a.m., marking the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to Britain in 37 years. Tinubu is also set to become the first Nigerian president to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.
The president was seen off by top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, alongside service chiefs and other senior officials.
Members of the president’s entourage include key cabinet members such as Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Finance Minister Wale Edun, Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake, Communications Minister Bosun Tijani, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, among others.
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Key Engagements
During the visit, Tinubu is expected to hold high-level talks with King Charles III, who will host him for an audience and a state banquet at Windsor Castle.
He will also meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and engage with members of the Nigerian diaspora community in the UK.
Trade and Strategic Deals
Central to the visit are discussions on trade, security, and infrastructure development. Trade between Nigeria and the UK reached £8.1 billion in the year to September 2025, reflecting an 11.4 percent increase.
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Tinubu is expected to witness the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance and Nigerian authorities to support the rehabilitation of key port infrastructure, including:
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Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays)
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Tin Can Island Port Complex
The deal underscores ongoing economic cooperation between both nations following a strategic partnership agreement signed in 2024.
Religious and Diplomatic Engagements
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu is scheduled to preach at Lambeth Palace and meet leaders of the Church of England.
The engagement comes amid internal tensions within the Anglican Communion over leadership decisions, including the appointment of Sarah Mullally as a leading figure.
Political Undertones
Analysts say the visit offers both countries an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties, particularly in trade balance, security collaboration, and governance.
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Notably absent from Tinubu’s schedule is a meeting with the UK opposition. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has previously been critical of Nigeria’s governance challenges.
