By Lawal Sale
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will Tuesday depart Abuja on a historic state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
In a statement on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said Tinubu will be accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, during the visit scheduled for March 17–19 at Windsor Castle.
The visit 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.
During the visit, King Charles III and Tinubu will attend a special exhibition from the Royal Collection featuring items connected to Nigeria, according to the statement.
Also, the two leaders are expected to hold private discussions and engage with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue.
Tinubu will also meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the UK, particularly in trade, investment, immigration, defence and cultural cooperation.
Several Memoranda of Understanding are expected to be signed during the visit.
Tinubu will also witness the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigeria’s Finance Ministry to support the refurbishment of the Lagos Port Complex and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The Nigerian president will attend a Nigerian Modernism exhibition showcasing modern art and culture and participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the diaspora.
Senior officials accompanying Tinubu include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Finance Minister Wale Edun, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, among other senior government officials.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the state visit. (GSF)
