Tinubu departs Abuja for historic UK State visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for a state visit to the United Kingdom, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, marking the first such visit by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.

The presidential aircraft took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, with the president seen off by top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, service chiefs, and Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, among others.

Members of the president’s delegation include key cabinet officials such as Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi; Ministers Dele Alake, Mohammed Idris, Bianca Ojukwu, Wale Edun, Jumoke Oduwole, Hannatu Musawa, and Bosun Tijani; as well as National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and National Intelligence Agency Director-General Mohammed Mohammed.

During the visit, President Tinubu is expected to be received by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, where a state banquet will be held in his honour. He is also scheduled to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and engage with members of the Nigerian diaspora.

Central to the visit are discussions on trade, security, and economic cooperation. Trade between Nigeria and the United Kingdom reached £8.1 billion in the year to September 2025, reflecting an 11.4 percent increase. The president is also expected to witness the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance and Nigerian authorities to support the refurbishment of key port infrastructure, including the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.

The visit builds on an existing strategic partnership between both countries aimed at strengthening economic, immigration, and security ties. Analysts, however, note that trade relations have historically favoured the United Kingdom.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu is also expected to participate in religious engagements, including preaching at Lambeth Palace and meeting representatives of the Church of England.

However, the visit comes amid subtle diplomatic sensitivities, including ongoing debates within the Anglican Communion and the absence of a scheduled meeting between the visiting president and the British opposition.