Government
Tinubu at Windsor: Nigeria, UK Bound by History, Shared Future – President
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, describing both nations as partners bound by history, shared values, and a collective vision for the future.
Speaking at a state banquet held at Windsor Castle on March 18, 2026, Tinubu said it was a profound honour to represent Nigeria at such a historic venue, noting that the castle has stood as a symbol of continuity for nearly a millennium.
Addressing King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, the Nigerian leader expressed appreciation for the warm reception extended to him, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and members of the Nigerian delegation.
He highlighted the deep historical ties between both countries, noting that Nigeria’s democratic and institutional frameworks have been influenced by British traditions, including the rule of law and parliamentary governance rooted in the legacy of the Magna Carta.
Tinubu also paid tribute to British thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Edmund Burke, whose ideas helped shape democratic ideals globally, as well as literary figures like William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, whose works have enriched the English language.
He stressed that beyond institutions, the strongest link between both nations remains their people, particularly the vibrant Nigerian diaspora in the UK. According to him, Nigerians continue to make significant contributions across sectors, especially in healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS), where Nigerian professionals play critical roles.
In sports, Tinubu pointed to notable figures of Nigerian heritage such as Maro Itoje, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Anthony Joshua as symbols of the strong human connection between both nations.
The President further underscored the importance of the Commonwealth of Nations in strengthening global cooperation, noting that Nigeria, as one of its largest members, remains committed to its growth and relevance.
On security, Tinubu acknowledged the challenges posed by terrorism in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, and emphasised the need for continued collaboration with the UK. He expressed optimism ahead of his meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Tinubu expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom for offering refuge and support during the country’s military era. He recalled his personal experience in exile, noting that the solidarity shown by Britain remains deeply significant.
The President concluded by expressing confidence in the future of Nigeria-UK relations, inviting guests to a toast in celebration of the enduring bond between both nations.
“God bless His Majesty The King. God bless Nigeria. God bless the United Kingdom,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called for deeper trade and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as both countries sealed a £746 million agreement to refurbish two major ports in Lagos.
The President made the call during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Describing his state visit as historic, the first by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, Tinubu said the trip marks a significant step in reinforcing longstanding ties between the two nations.
“We cannot forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years,” Tinubu said ahead of bilateral talks, noting that discussions would span trade, economic reforms, climate change, terrorism, and broader global challenges.
He emphasised that Nigeria is currently undergoing major economic reforms and expressed optimism about collaborative efforts to improve citizens’ welfare.
“The entire world is facing challenges, and Nigeria is not immune. My priority remains the economy and the welfare of our people, and how we can work together to improve livelihoods,” he said.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Starmer described the visit as historic and highlighted the significance of the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III in honour of the Nigerian delegation.
He reaffirmed the UK’s appreciation of its enduring relationship with Nigeria, pointing to strong people to people ties and ongoing collaboration in the economy, defence, and security sectors.
Starmer added that new agreements on exports and business exchanges reflect a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and expand engagement on global issues.
At Lancaster House, President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu witnessed the formal signing of the £746 million agreement for the modernisation of infrastructure at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, while Blair McDougall signed on behalf of the British government.
Edun said the deal aligns with Nigeria’s priorities in infrastructure, energy, and industrial development, noting that stronger bilateral partnerships would attract critical investments needed to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
He added that the agreement reflects growing confidence and mutual trust between both nations, as well as a shared commitment to delivering tangible economic benefits for their citizens.
The governments of United Kingdom and Nigeria have signed a landmark £746 million agreement to modernise two of Nigeria’s major seaports, in a move expected to strengthen bilateral trade and create thousands of skilled jobs in both countries.
The deal, announced on Thursday, March 19, is backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF) and will fund the redevelopment of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex in Lagos.
The financing will be delivered through UKEF’s Buyer Credit Facility, coordinated by Citibank (London branch), with the agreement involving the Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance.
Officials say the project represents one of the largest recent trade and investment partnerships between both countries. At least £236 million of the total value will go to British companies through supply contracts.
A major beneficiary is British Steel, which secured a record £70 million contract to supply 120,000 tonnes of steel billets for the project. The materials will be used by construction firms Hitech Nigeria and ITB Nigeria.
UK Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle, described the agreement as a significant boost for UK manufacturing and a testament to the growing economic ties between both nations.
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the project aligns with the federal government’s strategy to unlock the country’s maritime potential.
He noted that modernising the ports would reduce vessel turnaround time, cut cargo delays, and lower logistics costs for businesses, while improving transparency through automation and digitalisation.
According to him, the upgrades will position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa, while boosting revenue generation and easing trade operations.
Alongside the ports agreement, both countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening long-term cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and investment.
The MoU outlines Nigeria’s priority projects that could receive future UKEF-backed financing, while opening more opportunities for UK companies to participate in Nigeria’s supply chain.
Chief Executive Officer of UKEF, Tim Reid, said the agreement demonstrates the agency’s capacity to support large-scale international projects while driving growth for UK businesses.
Also speaking, Citi’s Global Head of Export and Agency Financing, Richard Hodder, highlighted the bank’s long-standing presence in Nigeria and its role in facilitating the deal.
The agreement signals growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector and reinforces the country’s commitment to expanding trade partnerships and improving its logistics backbone.
Analysts say the project could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s port efficiency and overall economic competitiveness, while strengthening its position as a key trade gateway in Africa.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has officially handed over the contract for the proposed Zariagi International Airport to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and Gamji Nigeria Limited.
The handover ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Government House in Lokoja, attracted key stakeholders and development partners.
Governor Ododo described the airport as a legacy project designed to drive economic transformation and enhance regional connectivity. He said the contractors were selected after a thorough procurement process and assured them of the state government’s full backing to deliver a world class aviation facility.
The governor also appreciated Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for approving the project. He noted that Kogi holds a unique place in Nigeria’s aviation history, recalling that one of the earliest aircraft landings in the country took place in the state, yet it has operated for years without a functional airport.
According to him, the new airport will serve as a strategic alternative to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, helping to reduce congestion while improving access for travelers and investors.
He added that Kogi’s central location linking northern and southern Nigeria, as well as major commercial corridors, makes it an ideal hub for aviation development.
Governor Ododo stressed that the project would unlock opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture, and trade, while creating jobs for residents.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transportation, Victor Atuluku, said the airport project underwent detailed planning and design within the 2025 fiscal year. He explained that the development will include landside infrastructure, a terminal building, and airside facilities.
He disclosed that China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation will handle the core technical components such as the runway and terminal, while Gamji Nigeria Limited will oversee the perimeter fencing.
Atuluku further revealed that the airport will feature a 3.6 kilometre runway capable of accommodating large aircraft, including cargo planes, and will sit on about 4,000 hectares of land with room for future expansion.
The facility is also expected to support cargo operations with dedicated warehouses and a cargo terminal, with projected annual passenger traffic of about 250,000.
Representatives of the contracting firms pledged to deliver the project in line with international standards.
Jun Don Pin of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation assured timely and quality execution, while Salau Mutalib of Gamji Nigeria Limited commended the state government’s vision and promised strict adherence to project specifications.