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Tinubu Arrives Lagos, Pushes Stronger Nigeria-UK Trade Ties After £746M Ports Deal
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Lagos following an official visit to the United Kingdom, where he called for deeper trade and economic cooperation between both nations.
The president arrived early Friday after concluding high-level engagements in London aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and attracting investment into Nigeria’s economy.
During the visit, Tinubu held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. Discussions focused on economic reforms, global economic pressures, security challenges, and climate change.
Tinubu described the trip as “very thrilling and significant,” stressing the importance of collaboration in addressing shared global and domestic challenges.
“Currently, the entire world is challenged. Nigeria is not immune… we must work together to improve the livelihood of our people,” he said.
A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million agreement to modernise infrastructure at the Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.
The agreement was signed at Lancaster House and witnessed by Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, signed on behalf of the Nigerian government, while Blair McDougall represented the British side.
Edun noted that the deal aligns with Nigeria’s strategic priorities in infrastructure, energy, and industrial development. He added that the project is expected to boost economic activities, create jobs, and help reduce poverty.
Prime Minister Starmer described the visit as historic, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria, particularly in trade, defence, and security.
The agreements reached during the visit highlight growing confidence between both countries and a shared commitment to delivering tangible economic benefits for their citizens.
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