President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is in a high-level bilateral meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with both leaders set to witness the signing of a £746 million agreement to revamp Nigeria’s port infrastructure.
The meeting, according to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Several Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation are expected to be signed during the visit, reflecting a broader push to deepen bilateral engagement.
A major outcome of the talks is the £746 million financing arrangement involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance. The funding will support the rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex – two critical gateways for the country’s maritime trade.
The presidency said the initiative aligns with the administration’s goal of modernising key infrastructure and attracting foreign investment to stimulate economic growth.
Ahead of the meeting, President Tinubu and the First Lady were received at Windsor Castle by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, underscoring the longstanding diplomatic ties between both nations.
The President is accompanied by top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi; Finance Minister Wale Edun; Industry Minister Jumoke Oduwole; and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Other members of the delegation include Dele Alake, Mohammed Idris, Bianca Ojukwu, Hannatu Musawa, Bosun Tijani, Christopher Musa, and Mohammed Mohammed.
The outcome of the meeting is expected to further boost cooperation between both countries, particularly in infrastructure development and economic expansion.