United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has highlighted the economic benefits of a newly signed £746 million ports agreement with Nigeria, saying the deal will support thousands of British jobs and inject significant investment into the UK economy.
The agreement, which includes the supply of steel for the upgrade of key port facilities in Lagos, was concluded during high-level talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in London.
Starmer said the deal builds on efforts by his government to strengthen domestic industries, particularly the steel sector.
“We have taken decisive steps to secure the future of British Steel and protect jobs. This agreement with Nigeria will further support thousands of skilled workers while boosting investment into our economy,” he said.
The £746 million financing arrangement involves Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance, led by Wale Edun, alongside international partners, and is targeted at modernising the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa) and Tin Can Island Port.
The project is expected to improve efficiency at Nigeria’s busiest seaports, reduce congestion, and strengthen the country’s trade infrastructure, while also deepening economic cooperation between both nations.
The ports deal forms part of a broader set of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence and cultural exchange, signed during Tinubu’s official visit to the UK.
Meanwhile, Tinubu on Friday morning arrived in Abuja after concluding the two-day state visit, which marked the first formal invitation extended to a Nigerian leader by the UK in 37 years.
The President, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, touched down at about 1:15 a.m. and was received by senior officials, including Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
During the visit, Nigeria secured key commitments aimed at boosting infrastructure and supporting the administration’s economic reform agenda, with the ports modernisation project emerging as a central outcome.
Later in the day, Tinubu is expected to join Muslim faithful in Lagos for Eid al-Fitr prayers at Dodan Barracks.
In his Sallah message, the President called on Nigerians to uphold the values of Ramadan, urging continued commitment to unity, compassion and peaceful coexistence.