President Bola Tinubu has on Thursday, 19th March, 2026 met with United Kingdom Prime Minister, Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.
The meeting comes on the second and final date of President Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.
Today’s meeting culminated in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
It has been a whirlwind two days for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu as they conclude a two day state visit to the United Kingdom.
On Wednesday, they were received by King Charles 111 and Queen Camilla at the historic 900 year old Windsor Castle, the traditional home of the British monarch.
Later in the evening, the Nigerian leader and wife were feted at a lavish state Banquet attended by some of the most powerful figures in both Nigerian and British societies.
And on Thursday, it was time to get to signing deals and Memoranda.
President Tinubu arrived at No. 10 Downing Street, the home of the British Prime Minister, posed at the famous Black Door for pictures and a handshake with Prime Minister, Keir Starmer before both men ducked inside to begin their meeting.
The visit underscores a growing economic partnership, with bilateral trade now at record levels of about $10.7 billion a year and Nigerian companies expanding operations in Britain.
At Thursday’s event, both countries committed to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.
A major highlight was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
The deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
Other deals were signed in the trade and security sectors.
This visit comes at a pivotal moment in Nigeria–Britain relations, as the
United Kingdom remains one of Nigeria’s key partners in trade, defence, and development.
But beyond economics, the relationship is deeply rooted in history—shaped by colonial rule that ended in 1960 and sustained today by strong diaspora connections.
Analysts are describing it as a recalibration of that relationship from one defined by history to one increasingly driven by mutual economic interests and global positioning.
For the UK, strengthening ties with Africa’s largest economy, supports its post Brexit strategy of expanding global trade links.
For Nigeria, closer engagement offers investment opportunities and access to international financial markets.
However, the relationship is not without its tensions. Issues such as governance concerns, security challenges, and differing political narratives continue to shape perceptions on both sides.
Notably absent from the visit’s schedule is a meeting with the UK opposition leader, Kemi Badenoch, who, although of Nigerian descent, has previously been critical of Nigeria’s governance record.
President Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
