President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom, marking the first such trip by a Nigerian leader in 37 years and signalling a renewed phase of diplomatic, economic and cultural relations between the two nations.
The president will travel alongside the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as guests of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
According to the official programme, the British monarch will host the Nigerian president and the First Lady at Windsor Castle from Wednesday to Thursday, in what officials describe as a landmark diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the UK.
The visit is significant as it represents the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to Britain since 1989 and makes Tinubu the first Nigerian president to be formally hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.
Nigeria and the United Kingdom share longstanding historical, political and economic ties, and the visit is expected to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, immigration, defence and cultural exchange.
During their stay at Windsor Castle, King Charles will host the Nigerian leader and his wife at a series of engagements aimed at deepening relations between both countries. The presidential couple will also view a special exhibition from the Royal Collection featuring historical items and artefacts connected to Nigeria.
The programme will include private talks between King Charles and President Tinubu, as well as a joint meeting with organisations promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation within the UK and globally.
In honour of the Nigerian delegation, the Royal Family will host a State Banquet at Windsor Castle.
Beyond the ceremonial activities, President Tinubu is also expected to hold high-level political and economic discussions with British government officials, aimed at expanding cooperation and strengthening engagement between senior officials of both countries.
Several Memoranda of Understanding are expected to be signed during the visit, covering areas such as trade and investment promotion, defence collaboration and cultural cooperation.
A key highlight of the trip will be the signing of a £746 million financing agreement involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance to support the rehabilitation of two major maritime facilities — the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The project is expected to boost Nigeria’s port infrastructure and improve the efficiency of maritime trade operations, which remain vital to the country’s economy.
As part of the cultural engagements, the president will attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition showcasing Nigeria’s modern artistic heritage. He will also serve as guest of honour at a reception bringing together Nigerian and British business leaders alongside members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.
Presidency officials said the engagement with the diaspora and business community will offer an opportunity to promote investment opportunities in Nigeria and deepen economic partnerships between both countries.
Members of the president’s delegation include Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake; and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris.
Also on the delegation are Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole.
Others accompanying the president include Minister of Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the visit.
