TINUBU TO DEPART ABUJA FOR UK STATE VISIT ON TUESDAY

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, will depart Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, for a state visit to the United Kingdom as guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

King Charles will host President Tinubu and his wife at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19.

The state visit marks the first by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years.

“President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle,” the Presidency disclosed in a statement on Monday evening.

Nigeria and the United Kingdom share longstanding ties and a close historical relationship.

According to the Presidency, the visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for collaboration in areas such as immigration, trade, investment and cultural exchange.

The statement noted that while at Windsor Castle, the UK monarchs will invite the President and his wife to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection linked to Nigeria.

‘£746m Financing Deal’

King Charles and Tinubu are also expected to hold private discussions and meet with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue both in the UK and internationally.

The Royal Family will host a state banquet in honour of the Nigerian delegation.

“President Tinubu will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which will lead to expanded bilateral engagement between senior officials of the two countries.

“The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

“President Tinubu will witness the signing of the landmark £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance and the Nigerian Ports Authority and Federal Ministry of Finance to support the refurbishment of two of Nigeria’s major national maritime infrastructure – the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

“The President will be the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing modern arts and culture, and will also attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community,” the statement signed by the President’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, partly read.

Members of the President’s entourage include Godswill Akpabio; Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole.

Others include Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the state visit.