Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom, accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as guests of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian President and his wife will be hosted at Windsor Castle from March 18 to March 19.
The visit marks the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years and also makes Tinubu the first Nigerian President to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.
The visit is expected to strengthen long-standing bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with discussions focusing on immigration, trade, investment and cultural cooperation.
During the visit, the British monarch will host the President and the First Lady to a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria. Both leaders are also expected to hold private discussions and meet with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue at national and international levels.
A state banquet will also be held by the Royal Family in honour of the Nigerian delegation.
Tinubu is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where both countries are expected to deepen cooperation through the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence and cultural collaboration.
The President will witness the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Federal Ministry of Finance Nigeria for the rehabilitation of two major maritime facilities—Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and Tin Can Island Port Complex.
As part of the programme, Tinubu will also attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition showcasing Nigerian arts and culture, and participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the Nigerian diaspora.
Members of the President’s delegation include Godswill Akpabio, Lateef Fagbemi, Dele Alake, Mohammed Idris, Bianca Ojukwu, Wale Edun, Jumoke Oduwole, Hannatu Musawa, Bosun Tijani, Christopher Musa, Nuhu Ribadu and Mohammed Mohammed.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the state visit.
