Tinubu Embarks On Historic State Visit To United Kingdom

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will depart Abuja today, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, for a landmark two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom as guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The visit, scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19, marks the first State Visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years and the first time a Nigerian president will be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.

Upon arrival, the presidential couple will be welcomed at Windsor Castle, where they will view a special exhibition of Royal Collection items related to Nigeria.

President Tinubu and King Charles will hold private discussions and meet organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue.

The Royal Family will host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian delegation in the evening.

On Thursday, President Tinubu will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, followed by the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding and agreements on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

A major highlight will be President Tinubu witnessing the signing of a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) alongside the Federal Ministry of Finance. The facility will support the refurbishment of the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and Tin Can Island Port Complex.

The President will also serve as guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition celebrating modern arts and culture, and attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community.

The high-powered delegation includes Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney General Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Ministers Dele Alake, Mohammed Idris, Bianca Ojukwu, Wale Edun, Jumoke Oduwole, Hannatu Musawa, Bosun Tijani, Defence Minister General Christopher Musa , National Security Adviser
Nuhu Ribadu, and NIA Director-General Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

The visit aims to deepen Nigeria-UK ties, enhance cooperation on immigration, trade, investment, security, and cultural exchange, and open new avenues for mutual prosperity.

President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the engagements.

Source: The Nation

Email: elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com