Tinubu begins historic State visit to United Kingdom Tuesday

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday, for a historic State Visit to the United Kingdom, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Onanuga said the Nigerian leader and his wife would be received as guests of King Charles III and Queen Camilla during the visit.

He stated that the British monarch would host President Tinubu and the First Lady at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19.

According to him, the visit is significant as it marks the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years, adding that Tinubu would also become the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.

Onanuga noted that Nigeria and the United Kingdom share a long history of diplomatic ties and a special relationship, explaining that the visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.

“The purpose of this visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange,” he said.

He disclosed that while at Windsor Castle, the President and the First Lady would be invited by the monarch to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria.

“Later, the King and the President will hold private discussions and meet with organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue, both nationally and internationally,” Onanuga added.

He further revealed that the Royal Family will host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests during the visit.

Onanuga also said President Tinubu would hold a bilateral meeting with the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, at 10 Downing Street, where discussions would focus on expanding cooperation between both countries.

“The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation,” he stated.

He added that the President would witness the signing of a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance (UKEF), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

According to him, the funding arrangement will support the refurbishment of two major national maritime facilities—the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

Onanuga said the President would also attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition as guest of honour, describing it as an event that will showcase Nigeria’s modern arts and cultural heritage.

He added that the President would also participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the Nigerian diaspora.

The presidential spokesman disclosed that members of the President’s entourage include Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.

Others are Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

Onanuga said President Tinubu would return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the state visit.