President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday departed Abuja for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom — the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
The President, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10:00 a.m. aboard an Airbus A330.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader and his wife will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19 — marking the first time a Nigerian President will be received by a British monarch at the historic residence.
The visit is aimed at strengthening long-standing ties between Nigeria and United Kingdom, with discussions expected to focus on immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Activities lined up include a state banquet in honour of the Nigerian delegation and private meetings between President Tinubu and King Charles III. The leaders will also engage with organisations promoting interfaith dialogue and view a special Royal Collection exhibition highlighting Nigerian heritage.
As part of the visit, Tinubu will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where both sides are expected to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The talks are expected to culminate in the signing of several agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural collaboration. Notably, the President will witness a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance and Nigerian authorities to support the rehabilitation of key maritime infrastructure, including the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and Tin Can Island Port.
Tinubu is also scheduled to attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition and engage with business leaders as well as members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.
Top government officials accompanying the President include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Finance Minister Wale Edun, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and several cabinet members.
The last Nigerian state visit to the UK was in 1989 when former military president Ibrahim Babangida visited during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the visit.