Trending 
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by his wife Oluremi Tinubu, will depart Abuja on Tuesday, 17 March, for a state visit to the United Kingdom as guests of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
King Charles will host the Nigerian president and his wife at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, 18 March, to Thursday, 19 March.
The visit marks the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years.
“President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle,” the Presidency said in a statement issued on Monday evening.
Nigeria and the United Kingdom share longstanding historical ties and close diplomatic relations.
According to the Presidency, the visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and explore opportunities for collaboration in areas including immigration, trade, investment and cultural exchange.
During their stay at Windsor Castle, the British monarchs will invite the Nigerian leader and his wife to view a special exhibition from the Royal Collection featuring artefacts related to Nigeria.
£746m financing deal
King Charles and Tinubu are also expected to hold private discussions and meet organisations involved in interfaith dialogue at both national and international levels.
The Royal Family will host a state banquet in honour of the Nigerian delegation.
“President Tinubu will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which will lead to expanded bilateral engagement between senior officials of the two countries.
“The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence and cultural cooperation.
“President Tinubu will witness the signing of the landmark £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Federal Ministry of Finance to support the refurbishment of two major maritime facilities — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
“The President will be the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing modern arts and culture, and will also attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and members of the diaspora community,” the statement signed by Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, partly read.
Members of the president’s delegation include Godswill Akpabio, Lateef Fagbemi, Dele Alake, Mohammed Idris, Bianca Ojukwu, Wale Edun and Jumoke Oduwole.
Others include Hannatu Musawa, Bosun Tijani, Christopher Musa, Nuhu Ribadu and Mohammed Mohammed.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the visit.
