By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday on a historic State Visit to the United Kingdom, marking the first time in nearly four decades that a Nigerian leader has been accorded a formal state visit by the British monarchy.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Onanuga revealed that the President, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will arrive in the UK on Tuesday, March 17, as guests of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
According to Onanuga, the two-day visit scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday at Windsor Castle represents a significant milestone in Nigeria-UK relations.
Speaking on the significance of the invitation, Onanuga stated that no Nigerian president has undertaken a formal state visit to the United Kingdom in 37 years, underscoring the weight both nations attach to resetting bilateral relations.
He noted that President Tinubu is the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.
Onanuga explained that Nigeria and the United Kingdom share a deep history of ties and a special bond, adding that the purpose of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Providing details of the Windsor Castle programme, Onanuga said Their Majesties will invite President and Mrs. Tinubu to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria, a gesture acknowledging the shared history between the two nations.
He added that private discussions between the King and the President will follow, after which they will meet with organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue, both nationally and internationally.
Onanuga further stated that the Royal Family will host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests on Wednesday evening.
Beyond the royal engagements, Onanuga disclosed that President Tinubu will hold a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street.
He explained that the meeting will expand into broader discussions between senior officials of both countries and is expected to culminate in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence and cultural cooperation.
Onanuga highlighted that the President will witness the signing of a landmark £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance (UKEF), the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
According to him, the substantial funding will support the refurbishment of two of Nigeria’s most critical maritime infrastructure assets-the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The presidential spokesman further revealed that President Tinubu will be the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing the best of Nigerian modern arts and culture to a British audience.
He added that the President will attend a reception bringing together Nigerian and British business leaders, as well as members of the Nigerian diaspora community in the UK.
Onanuga listed members of the President’s entourage to include Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of 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.
He said others are Ministers Hannatu Musawa (Culture and Creative Economy), Bosun Tijani (Communications and Digital Economy), General Christopher Musa (Defence), National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
Onanuga confirmed that President Tinubu will return to the country immediately following the conclusion of the State Visit.
