President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday departed Abuja for a state visit to the United Kingdom, the first by a Nigerian president in 37 years.
The presidential aircraft took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10:00 a.m.
Tinubu was seen off by a high-level delegation led by Godswill Akpabio, alongside Nyesom Wike, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials.
The visit marks a historic milestone, as Tinubu becomes the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by a British monarch at Windsor Castle.
According to the presidency, the trip aims to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, migration, security and cultural exchange.
During the visit, Tinubu and his wife will be hosted by King Charles III, who is expected to invite them to view a special exhibition from the Royal Collection highlighting Nigeria’s historical and cultural ties with the United Kingdom.
The Nigerian leader will also hold talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, with discussions expected to culminate in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence and cultural cooperation.
A major highlight of the visit will be the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance and the Nigerian Ports Authority, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Finance, to support the refurbishment of key port infrastructure, including the Lagos Port Complex and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
Tinubu is also scheduled to attend a state banquet hosted by the Royal Family, as well as a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and members of the diaspora community.
He will further serve as guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing contemporary Nigerian art and culture.
Members of the president’s delegation include Lateef Fagbemi, Dele Alake, Mohammed Idris, Bianca Ojukwu, Wale Edun and Jumoke Oduwole.
Others are Hannatu Musawa, Bosun Tijani, Christopher Musa, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the visit.
