Tinubu departs Abuja Tuesday, leads 17-member delegation to UK on State visit
Tinubu departs Abuja Tuesday, leads 17-member delegation to UK on State visit
By Idun Maximus
President Bola Tinubu will commence a landmark state visit to the United Kingdom Tuesday, March 17, leading a high-profile 17-member delegation including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, as guests of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
In a statement, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga explained that the visit marks the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years and the first time a Nigerian head of state will be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle. Departing Abuja on Tuesday, the two-day royal engagement from March 18 to 19 underscores the deep historical ties between Nigeria and the UK.
The visit aims to boost relations across key areas including immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. At Windsor Castle, President Tinubu and the First Lady will tour a special exhibition from the Royal Collection featuring Nigerian-related artifacts. The King and President are scheduled for private discussions, alongside meetings with organizations focused on interfaith dialogue.
Part of the highlights will be a State Banquet hosted by the Royal Family in honor of the Nigerian delegation. The statement emphasised the significance: “Nigeria and the United Kingdom share a deep history of ties and a special bond. The purpose of this visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for collaboration.”
Beyond the royal welcome, President Tinubu will hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. These discussions will expand senior-level engagements and culminate in signing Memoranda of Understanding on trade, investment, defense, and cultural cooperation.
A major outcome includes President Tinubu witnessing the £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance (UKEF), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Federal Ministry of Finance. This deal targets refurbishment of critical infrastructure at Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and Tin Can Island Port Complex, boosting Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The President will serve as guest of honor at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, celebrating modern arts and culture, followed by a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community. These events highlight cultural diplomacy and economic opportunities.The 17-member delegation comprises key figures including Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi; Ministers Dele Alake (Solid Minerals), Idris Mohammed (Information), Wale Edun (Finance), Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment), Hannatu Musawa (Culture), Bosun Tijani (Communications), and Bianca Ojukwu (State for Foreign Affairs); Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd); National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and National Intelligence Agency Director-General, Mohammed Mohammed.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria upon conclusion of the visit, poised to advance mutual prosperity between the two nations.
