President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will today, Tuesday, March 17, depart Abuja for a State Visit to the United Kingdom as guests of their Royal Majesties, King Charles and Queen Camilla.
A statement issued by Mr Bayo Ononuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed that King Charles will host President Tinubu and his wife at the Windsor Castle from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19.
The State Visit is the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years. President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by British monarch at the Windsor Castle.
According to the statement, Nigeria and United Kingdom share a deep history of ties and a special bond. The purpose of this visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, insurance, and cultural exchange.
While at the Windsor Castle, their Majesties will invite the President and the First Lady to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria, later, the King and the President will hold private discussions and meet with organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue both nationally and internationally.
The Royal family will host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests in the evening.
The statement revealed that President Tinubu will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Stammer at 10 Downing Street, which will lead to expanded bilateral engagements between senior officials of the two countries. The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
Importantly, President Bola Tinubu will witness the signing of the landmark 746 million pound sterling financial deal between UK Export Finance ( UKEF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA) and Federal Ministry of Finance to support the refurbishment of two of Nigeria’s major national maritime infrastructure – the Lagos Port Complex ( Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
During the visit, 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 Nigeria and British business leaders and diaspora community.
Members of the President’s entourage include: Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister for Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
Others who were also on the trip are: Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Director General of National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return to the country at the conclusion of the state visit.
