President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday departed Abuja for a landmark state visit to the United Kingdom, marking the first such trip by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
The presidential aircraft, an Airbus A330 conveying Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10:00 a.m.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader and his wife will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19. Tinubu is also the first Nigerian president to be received by the British monarch at the historic castle.
The visit aims to deepen long-standing ties between Nigeria and the UK, with a focus on immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Activities lined up include a state banquet in honour of the Nigerian delegation and private meetings between the two leaders.
As part of the itinerary, the Royal Family will host an exhibition of artefacts from the Royal Collection highlighting Nigeria’s cultural heritage, while both sides will engage organisations promoting interfaith dialogue.
President Tinubu is also scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The bilateral talks are expected to culminate in the signing of several agreements covering trade, defence, investment, and cultural cooperation.
A key highlight of the visit will be the signing of a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance and Nigeria’s port authorities to support the rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.
Tinubu will further attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition celebrating contemporary arts and culture and participate in a high-level reception with business leaders and members of the diaspora.
Top government officials accompanying the President include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Finance Minister Wale Edun, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Defence Minister Christopher Musa, among others.
The last Nigerian state visit to the United Kingdom took place in 1989, when former military leader Ibrahim Babangida visited during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding the two-day diplomatic engagement.
