By Ihechi Enyinnaya
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom, where he will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
The visit, scheduled from March 18 to 19, marks the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years and makes Tinubu the first Nigerian president to be received by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President will be accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for the high-level diplomatic engagement.
During the visit, King Charles III will host the Nigerian leader and his wife for a series of events, including a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria. The two leaders are also expected to hold private discussions and meet with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue.
The Royal Family will later host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian delegation.
President Tinubu is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The meeting is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation and culminate in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
A major highlight of the visit will be the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance. The deal will support the refurbishment of key maritime infrastructure, including the Lagos Port Complex and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
Tinubu will also attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition celebrating contemporary Nigerian art and culture, as well as a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and members of the diaspora community.
The President’s delegation includes Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, among other top government officials.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the state visit.