President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday departed Abuja for an official state visit to the United Kingdom, a trip being described as historic, as it marks the first of its kind by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
The President, accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10:00 a.m. aboard an Airbus A330.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the couple will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19. Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to receive such an honour at the historic royal residence.
The visit is aimed at strengthening long-standing ties between Nigeria and the UK, with discussions expected to focus on key areas such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Highlights of the trip include a state banquet hosted by the Royal Family, private talks between the President and the King, and a special exhibition showcasing items from the Royal Collection connected to Nigeria.
Tinubu is also scheduled to meet with Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The meeting is expected to lead to the signing of several agreements covering trade, defence, investment, and cultural cooperation.
One of the major outcomes of the visit will be a £746 million financing deal involving the UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and Nigeria’s Finance Ministry. The deal is intended to fund the upgrade of key infrastructure at Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex.
In addition, the President will attend a Nigerian Modernism exhibition celebrating art and culture, and engage with business leaders as well as members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.
Top government officials accompanying Tinubu include Godswill Akpabio, Lateef Fagbemi, Dele Alake, Wale Edun, and Bosun Tijani, among others.
The last time a Nigerian leader made a state visit to the UK was in 1989, when Ibrahim Babangida visited during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after completing the visit.
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