Tinubu jets out for landmark UK visit, to meet King Charles, Starmer

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom, the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.

The presidential aircraft left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, accompanying him on the trip.

According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President and his wife will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle between March 18 and 19.

The visit, described as a major diplomatic milestone, is expected to reinforce longstanding ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, while opening new channels for cooperation in trade, investment, immigration, and cultural exchange.

As part of the itinerary, the Nigerian leader will attend a state banquet hosted in his honour by the Royal Family and hold private engagements with the British monarch. The programme also includes a special viewing of artefacts from the Royal Collection linked to Nigeria, as well as meetings with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue.

President Tinubu is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, where both leaders will discuss ways to deepen bilateral relations.

The talks are expected to culminate in the signing of multiple agreements covering key sectors such as defence, trade, investment, and cultural cooperation.

A major highlight of the visit will be a £746 million financing arrangement involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance. The deal is aimed at rehabilitating critical maritime infrastructure, including the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

Beyond official engagements, Tinubu will participate in the Nigerian Modernism exhibition celebrating contemporary Nigerian art and attend a high-level reception with British and Nigerian business leaders, alongside members of the diaspora community.

Top government officials accompanying the President include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, among others.

The last time a Nigerian leader embarked on a state visit to the United Kingdom was in 1989, when former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida visited during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the two-day visit.