President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will depart Abuja tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17, for a State Visit to the United Kingdom as guests of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The two-day visit, scheduled from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19, at Windsor Castle, marks the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years. President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian head of state to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.
According to the Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga the visit aims to deepen bilateral relations and explore collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
He said, during the visit, Their Majesties will invite the President and the First Lady to view a special exhibition from the Royal Collection highlighting items related to Nigeria.
The King and President Tinubu will also hold private discussions and meet organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue, both nationally and internationally. The Royal Family will host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian delegation in the evening.
President Tinubu is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The meeting is expected to expand engagement between senior officials of the two countries and culminate in the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding and agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
He stated that a key highlight of the visit will be the signing of a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance (UKEF), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Federal Ministry of Finance. The agreement will support the refurbishment of the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and Tin Can Island Port Complex, two of Nigeria’s major maritime infrastructures.
President Tinubu will also be the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition showcasing modern Nigerian arts and culture. Additionally, he will attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and members of the diaspora community.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the State Visit.
