President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for a state visit to the United Kingdom, marking the first time in 37 years that a Nigerian president is making such a trip.
He left on Tuesday morning alongside the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, with their aircraft taking off around 10:00 a.m. from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, were at the airport to see them off.
This visit is historic, as President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be received by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.
The trip is aimed at improving ties between Nigeria and the UK, with discussions expected to focus on areas such as trade, investment, immigration, and cultural relations.
During their stay, the President and his wife will be hosted by King Charles III, who will also invite them to view a special exhibition at Windsor Castle featuring items connected to Nigeria from the Royal Collection.
The monarch and President Tinubu are expected to hold private talks and also meet with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue.
A state banquet will be organised by the Royal Family in their honour.
“President Tinubu will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which will lead to expanded bilateral engagement between senior officials of the two countries.
“The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
“President Tinubu will witness the signing of the landmark £746 million financing deal between the UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Federal Ministry of Finance to support the refurbishment of two of Nigeria’s major national maritime infrastructure – the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
“The President will be the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing modern arts and culture, and will also attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community,” the presidency explained in a statement.
Several senior officials are part of the President’s delegation, including Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake, Information Minister Idris Mohammed, Foreign Affairs Minister of State Bianca Ojukwu, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and Industry Minister Jumoke Oduwole.
Others include Culture Minister Hannatu Musawa, Communications Minister Bosun Tijani, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and the head of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after completing the visit.
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