President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday departed Abuja for a state visit to the United Kingdom, marking the first such trip by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
Accompanied by his wife, the president left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10 a.m., according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19, becoming the first Nigerian leader to be received by a British monarch at the venue.
The presidency said the visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the UK, particularly in immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
During the visit, Tinubu is expected to attend a state banquet hosted in his honour, hold private discussions with the British monarch, and participate in engagements with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue.
He will also meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, with talks expected to culminate in the signing of agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
A major highlight of the trip will be the signing of a £746 million financing deal involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance to support the rehabilitation of key port infrastructure in Lagos.
