In meeting with Starmer, Tinubu seeks stronger Nigeria–UK trade, security alliance amid global pressures
… President urges deeper economic ties, joint action on terrorism, climate threats … Starmer hails historic visit, pledges to elevate bilateral cooperation President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday called for
... President urges deeper economic ties, joint action on terrorism, climate threats
... Starmer hails historic visit, pledges to elevate bilateral cooperation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday called for a stronger economic and security partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, urging both nations to deepen trade ties and collaborate more closely to address shared global challenges.
Speaking during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street in London, Tinubu emphasised the need to nurture existing trade frameworks and stimulate broader economic relationships that would benefit both countries.
“We need to nurture the trade agreement and stimulate more economic relationships that will build our two nations,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria is currently undergoing far-reaching economic reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and improving the welfare of citizens, even as it grapples with global economic volatility.
“Nigeria is currently going through a very strong reform of the economy, and beyond the volatility that we are seeing, what we are facing is not a small challenge,” he stated.
The President stressed that the economic difficulties confronting Nigeria are part of a wider global trend, affecting even advanced economies such as the United Kingdom.
“Currently, the entire world is challenged, and Nigeria is not immune, just as Britain is not immune. We have all been watching developments as they unfold,” Tinubu said.
He underscored the importance of prioritising citizens’ welfare in bilateral engagements, calling for coordinated efforts to mitigate economic instability and improve livelihoods.
“My concern is the economy and the welfare of the people, and how we should work together to improve their livelihood while mitigating economic volatility,” he added.
Beyond economic issues, Tinubu drew attention to growing security threats across Africa, particularly terrorism emanating from the Sahel region, and linked these challenges to climate change and broader socio-economic pressures.
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“As the largest country in West Africa and on the continent, we are challenged by terrorism coming from the Sahel, as well as the conflicts arising from climate change and other pressures,” he said.
The President expressed optimism that ongoing bilateral discussions would produce practical outcomes, particularly in strengthening cooperation on security and development.
“We will be able to discuss these further in our bilateral engagements and see what Britain can do to accelerate friendship, partnership and collaboration,” he added.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Starmer described Tinubu’s visit as historic, noting that it marked the first inward state visit hosted by the United Kingdom in 37 years.
He highlighted the longstanding ties between both nations, anchored on shared history and strong people-to-people connections.
“The long and shared history between our countries is obvious and much valued by us, as is the people-to-people contact and engagement that enriches our relationship,” Starmer said.
The British leader also acknowledged existing cooperation between Nigeria and the UK in areas such as the economy, defence, and security, adding that the visit provides an opportunity to elevate the partnership.
“We have a lot of work that we already do on the economy, on defence, on security, but today is an opportunity to take that to another level with the agreements we have been able to reach,” he stated.
Both leaders expressed optimism that the engagement would open a new chapter in Nigeria–UK relations, with a renewed focus on trade expansion, security collaboration, and sustainable development.
