President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday departed Abuja for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom, with his flight taking off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10:00 am.
The President and his wife were seen off by top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside other dignitaries.
The visit marks the first time in 37 years that a Nigerian leader is undertaking a state visit to the UK, and President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle. The trip is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, immigration, and cultural exchange.
During the visit, King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host the President and the First Lady at Windsor Castle, where they will view a special exhibition of Royal Collection items linked to Nigeria. The visit will also feature private discussions with the monarch and engagements with organisations promoting interfaith dialogue, culminating in a state banquet in honour of the Nigerian delegation.
A key highlight of the trip will be President Tinubu’s meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The talks are expected to lead to the signing of several agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The President will also witness the signing of a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance and Nigerian authorities to support the rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex, a move expected to boost Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
In addition, Tinubu will attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition as guest of honour and participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders, as well as members of the diaspora community.
Members of his delegation include senior government officials such as Lateef Fagbemi, Dele Alake, Idris Mohammed, Bianca Ojukwu, Wale Edun, Jumoke Oduwole, Hannatu Musawa, Bosun Tijani, Christopher Musa, Nuhu Ribadu, and Mohammed Mohammed.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding the visit.
