Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has arrived in the UK on his first historic to strengthen bilateral relations, boost economic activities and promote diplomatic cooperation with the United Kingdom.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement to the press disclosed that, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will depart Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, for a state visit to the United Kingdom as a guest of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.”
“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 the British monarch at Windsor Castle,” the statement reads in part.
According to the presidential mouthpiece, the historic visit is expected to strengthen bilateral relations, boost economic activities and promote diplomatic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
“The purpose of this visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange”, Onanuga said.
Nigeria as a former British Empire’s colony and member of the 56 countries in the Commonwealth of nations, shares a deep history of ties and special bond with the United Kingdom.
As part of the ongoing state visit, “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 bilateral meeting between the two leaders, “will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defense, and cultural cooperation,” the presidential spokesman said.
To boost economic deals, “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 Nigeria’s Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex,” he noted.
Onanuga further stated that on the royal family’s invitation, President Tinubu and Senator Oluremi will attend “a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria,” hold private discussions with King Charles, meet with organizations engaged in interfaith dialogue and attend a banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests.
While in London, the 73 year old Nigerian leader will meet with the Nigerian diaspora community and serve as the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing modern arts and culture, and also attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders.
Those to accompany the president on this trip are the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and other ministers and members of the Federal Executive Council together with the Minister of Defense, General Christopher Musa (rtd), and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Nigeria a former British colony gained independence on 1 October 1960, Nigeria and initially remained a constitutional monarchy while Queen Elizabeth II was officially the Queen of Nigeria, serving as the country’s sovereign and head of state.
On 1 October 1963, exactly three years after independence, Nigeria adopted a new constitution and became a Federal Republic and has always maintained a cordial diplomatic relationship and ties with the British monarchy and government.
Queen Elizabeth II visited Nigeria after its independence, in 2003, to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Abuja.
With King Charles’ invitation to President Tinubu to Buckingham Palace, Nigeria and the UK have elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership.
Editor’s Note: Featured photo is courtesy of PA Wire/PA Images.
