President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday departed Abuja for a state visit to the United Kingdom — the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
The Airbus A330 conveying the President and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10:00 a.m.
According to a statement issued on Monday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President and his wife will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19.
Tinubu is the first Nigerian leader to be received by a British monarch at Windsor Castle.
The presidency said the visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key areas, including immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
The New Daily Prime reported activities lined up for the visit include a state banquet hosted by the Royal Family and private talks between the Nigerian leader and the King. The President and First Lady will also tour a special Royal Collection exhibition featuring Nigerian-related artefacts.
In addition, Tinubu will meet organisations involved in interfaith dialogue and hold high-level talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street.
The bilateral meeting is expected to culminate in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
A key highlight of the visit will be the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance and Nigerian authorities to support the rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President is also scheduled to attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition and a business reception with Nigerian and British investors, as well as members of the diaspora community.
Among those accompanying the President are Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Finance Wale Edun; Minister of Communications Bosun Tijani; and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, among others.
The last Nigerian state visit to the United Kingdom took place in 1989, when former military president Ibrahim Babangida visited during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the visit.
