President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom , the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
The President, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Tuesday morning aboard an Airbus A330.
During the March 18–19 visit, Tinubu will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle , marking the first time a Nigerian leader will be received at the historic residence.
Activities will include a state banquet, private meetings with the monarch, and an exhibition of Nigerian artefacts from the Royal Collection.
The visit is aimed at strengthening long-standing ties between Nigeria and the UK, with key discussions expected to centre on immigration, trade, investment, and cultural cooperation. Tinubu is also scheduled to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where both countries are expected to sign agreements spanning trade, defence, and cultural exchange.
A major highlight of the trip is a £746 million financing deal involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance to rehabilitate critical infrastructure at Lagos ports.
The President will also attend a Nigerian modern art exhibition and engage with business leaders and members of the diaspora community. He is accompanied by senior government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The last Nigerian state visit to the UK was in 1989 under Ibrahim Babangida during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the visit.
