President Bola Tinubu has called for deeper trade and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom as both countries signed a £746 million agreement to refurbish two major ports in Lagos.
The deal was reached on Thursday during a bilateral meeting between President Tinubu and UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer at famous No. 10 Downing Street, London, marking a key highlight of the Nigerian leader’s historic state visit.
President Tinubu described the visit – the first by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years as “very thrilling and significant,” noting that both nations must build on their longstanding relationship through enhanced economic collaboration.
The UK Prime Minister, in his remarks, described the visit as a reaffirmation of Britain’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, particularly through economic cooperation, defence, and security partnerships.
Later at Lancaster House, President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu witnessed the formal signing of the agreement for the modernisation of infrastructure at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while UK Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, Blair McDougall, represented the British government.
He noted that the deal reflects growing confidence and mutual trust between both countries, as well as a shared commitment to delivering tangible economic outcomes.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
