President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria following a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, arriving in Lagos alongside the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, ahead of the Sallah break.
The President touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where he was received by top government officials, including his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as members of his entourage and supporters.
Tinubu’s visit, which began on March 17, was at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
During the trip, the President was accompanied by several high-ranking officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Finance Minister Wale Edun, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other cabinet members.
A key highlight of the visit was Tinubu’s stay at Windsor Castle between March 18 and 19, marking the first time in 37 years a Nigerian leader has undertaken a state visit to the UK and the first reception of a Nigerian president at the historic residence.
While in the UK, the President held private talks with King Charles III focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, particularly in trade, migration, cultural exchange, and interfaith dialogue.
Tinubu also met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where both countries signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
A major outcome of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance. The deal is aimed at modernising key maritime infrastructure, including the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and Tin Can Island Port Complex.
Other activities during the visit included a state banquet in honour of the Nigerian delegation, a Nigerian Modernism exhibition showcasing arts and culture, and a high-level reception with British and Nigerian business leaders, as well as members of the diaspora community.
Following his return, top members of his delegation, including Gbajabiamila, Akpabio, Edun, and Ribadu, were on ground at the Lagos airport to receive him as he disembarked.