President Bola Tinubu, will depart Abuja on Tuesday for a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, the presidency has said.
In a statement released on Monday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the visit will take place on 18 and 19 March. The president will travel with the first lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
The visit is expected to include meetings with King Charles III and the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer.
According to the presidency, the British monarch will host the Nigerian leader and the first lady at Windsor Castle. It will be the first time the royal residence hosts a Nigerian leader for a state visit.
“While at Windsor Castle, Their Majesties will invite the President and the First Lady to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria,” Onanuga said.
He added that the king and the Nigerian president are also expected to hold private discussions and meet with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue.
“The Royal Family will host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests in the evening,” the statement said.
During the visit, President Tinubu is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Starmer at 10 Downing Street for bilateral talks.
Officials say the meeting is expected to lead to the signing of several agreements covering trade, investment, defence cooperation and cultural relations between both countries.
The presidency said the Nigerian leader will also witness the signing of a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance and Nigerian authorities to support refurbishment work at the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
In addition, President Tinubu is expected to attend a cultural event showcasing Nigerian modern art and meet Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the Nigerian diaspora.
Several senior government officials are expected to accompany the president on the trip, and the presidency says he will return to Nigeria at the end of the visit.
