President Bola Tinubu will leave Abuja today for a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom (UK), the presidency stated.
Tinubu will be joined by his wife, Oluremi, according to a statement released on Monday by presidential spokeswoman Bayo Onanuga.
The state visit, which is slated for March 18 and 19, is the British monarchy’s highest degree of diplomatic involvement. It is the first visit to the United Kingdom by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
During the tour, King Charles will welcome Tinubu and the first lady in Windsor Castle, which will be the first time the British monarch has done so.
Thames Valley Police announced additional security preparations for Tinubu’s travel, including a temporary increase of the airspace restriction above Windsor.
“While at 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,” Onanuga said.
“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.”
Tinubu will also conduct a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street.
The summit will conclude with the signing of many memoranda of understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
Tinubu will also witness the signature of a £746 million financing agreement between the UK Export Finance (UKEF), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Ministry of Finance to fund the redevelopment of 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,” Onanuga added.
Tinubu will be accompanied by state officials such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals, Idris Mohammed, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
The president will be accompanied by Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Culture and Creative Economy; Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy; Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence; Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Advisor; and Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency.
Onanuga stated that Tinubu will return to the nation at the end of the tour.
