President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja on Tuesday for a historic two-day state visit to the United Kingdom (UK), aiming to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Nigeria and its former colonial partner.
The President left the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 10 a.m., accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, following an invitation from King Charles III, who will host the couple at Windsor Castle.
Top government officials and security chiefs saw the President off, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
During the visit, Nigeria and the UK are expected to sign a series of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across critical sectors such as trade and investment, energy transition, solid minerals development, and security cooperation.
At Windsor Castle, President Tinubu and the First Lady will be received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, attending a special Royal Collection exhibition highlighting Nigerian heritage.
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The programme will also feature private discussions with the monarch and joint engagements with organisations promoting interfaith dialogue at national and international levels.
A State Banquet hosted by the Royal Family will honour the Nigerian delegation, underscoring the historic nature of the visit.
Beyond ceremonial engagements, President Tinubu will hold a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The talks are expected to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, defence, and cultural exchanges.
Significantly, President Tinubu will witness the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance (UKEF), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Federal Ministry of Finance. The funds are intended to support strategic infrastructure and port development projects in Nigeria.
The President will also serve as guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing contemporary Nigerian art and culture to a global audience.
The visit, which represents a renewed momentum in Nigeria-UK relations, is set to conclude within two days, after which President Tinubu and the First Lady will return to Nigeria.
