President Tinubu, wife depart Abuja for UK state visit
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and his wife Oluremi Tinubu have departed Abuja for a state visit to the United Kingdom.
The visit would be the first by a Nigerian President in 37 years, while also making Tinubu the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.
Their flight was seen leaving the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 10: 00 am on Tuesday, as they were seen off by a delegation led by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other top government functionaries.
King Charles III is expected to host Tinubu and his wife at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19.
The Nigerian President would be holding private discussions with the British monarch at Windsor and a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, during the state visit.
The presidency on Monday stated that the meeting was geared towards strengthening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
During the visit at Windsor Castle, President Tinubu and his wife, on invitation by the UK monarch, would view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria, with the Royal Family also hosting a state banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests.
Details of the state visit was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, which read in part:
“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 the 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.
“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 the diaspora community.”
