Tinubu meets Starmer in London, witnesses £746m ports deal signing
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held high-level talks with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, as both countries moved to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen economic cooperation. According
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held high-level talks with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, as both countries moved to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen economic cooperation.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the engagement is expected to result in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering trade, investment, defence and cultural partnerships.
A key highlight of the visit is a £746 million financing agreement involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Federal Ministry of Finance. The deal will support the rehabilitation of two major maritime facilities — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex — as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s transport and trade infrastructure.
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The presidency noted that the discussions underscore Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with the UK, attracting foreign investment and promoting infrastructure-driven economic growth.
Earlier, President Tinubu and the First Lady were received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle as part of the official state visit.
The Nigerian delegation included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, Minister of Information and National Orientation Idris Mohammed, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu.
Also present were Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, 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.
The visit is seen as a strategic push to expand economic partnerships, boost trade and enhance security and cultural cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
