General News
President Tinubu Arrives Lagos For Eid-El-Fitr After Historic UK State Visit
President Bola Tinubu early Friday arrived in Lagos following a two-day historic state visit to the United Kingdom, where he engaged in high-level diplomatic and economic discussions.
The President, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 1:15 a.m.
He was received on arrival by Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; wife of the Lagos State Governor, Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; and other All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwarts.
Crowd welcoming President Tinubu
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga on March 20, 2026.
As part of activities marking Eid-el-Fitr, President Tinubu is expected to observe prayers at the Eid prayer ground in Dodan Barracks, Lagos.
In his Sallah message, the President urged Nigerian Muslims to uphold the core values of Ramadan, including piety, empathy, unity, and compassion.
“We have much to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness, and compassion beyond this period,” he said.
Prior to his return, President Tinubu met with British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at 10 Downing Street, where both leaders agreed on a £746 million deal to refurbish two major ports in Lagos.
The President described the visit Nigeria’s first state visit to the UK in 37 years as “very thrilling and significant,” noting its importance in strengthening bilateral relations.
“We cannot forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years,” he stated ahead of bilateral talks, adding that discussions covered trade, the economy, climate change, terrorism, and broader global challenges.
During the visit, President Tinubu and the First Lady were hosted by King Charles III at a State Banquet held at Windsor Castle.
Talking about the longstanding ties between both nations, Tinubu said, “Our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.”
The Nigerian leader was earlier received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, where he inspected a guard of honour and witnessed a ceremonial 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
The management of Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) in Lagos has announced the introduction of a cashless payment system for its multi-storey car park.
The new system is set to take effect from Monday, March 23, as part of efforts to improve efficiency, enhance security, and streamline operations at the terminal.
According to the management, the move will eliminate cash transactions within the facility, allowing motorists and airport users to make payments electronically using approved digital channels.
The development is expected to reduce delays, curb revenue leakages, and provide a more convenient parking experience for passengers and visitors.
Airport users are therefore advised to prepare for the transition by ensuring they have access to electronic payment options ahead of the implementation date.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the President urged Muslim faithful to uphold the values of piety, compassion, and unity imbibed during the fasting period, stressing the need for renewed commitment to national development and peaceful coexistence.
Tinubu noted that the lessons of Ramadan; self-discipline, sacrifice, and empathy remain critical, particularly at a time when the nation requires collective effort and understanding among its citizens.
He encouraged Muslims to sustain these virtues beyond the festive period, emphasizing the importance of kindness, perseverance, and selflessness in everyday life.
Thepresidentt also called on the Muslim community to extend generosity to the less privileged, regardless of religious background, as a demonstration of unity and shared humanity.
Furthermore, he urged religious leaders to use the occasion to pray for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Nigeria.
The statement was signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
A traditional ruler in Nigeria has taken major steps to strengthen security within his domain by acquiring a surveillance drone and recruiting 118 security personnel amid rising concerns over safety.
The monarch announced the initiative as part of a broader strategy to tackle criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and other threats affecting residents. According to sources within the community, the newly recruited personnel will work alongside existing local vigilante groups and security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response.
The deployment of a drone is expected to significantly improve surveillance capabilities, particularly in hard-to-reach areas such as forests and rural boundaries, often used by criminal elements as hideouts.
Community leaders have welcomed the move, describing it as a proactive and technology-driven approach to addressing insecurity. They noted that the combination of manpower and modern equipment could help deter crime and restore confidence among residents.
Security experts say the initiative reflects a growing trend where traditional institutions and local authorities are stepping in to complement government efforts in combating insecurity across various parts of the country.
While the development has been widely praised, some observers have also called for proper coordination with official security agencies to ensure accountability and prevent overlaps in operations.
The monarch reaffirmed his commitment to protecting lives and property, stating that the safety of his people remains his top priority.