President Tinubu Meets UK PM Starmer, Secures New Financial Deal

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held high-level bilateral talks with Keir Starmer, in a move aimed at deepening diplomatic relations and boosting economic cooperation between Nigeria and United Kingdom.

The engagement is expected to culminate in the signing of multiple agreements spanning trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

In a statement earlier, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the meeting underscores Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

According to the statement, the talks are focused on attracting foreign investment and modernising key infrastructure to drive economic growth.

A major highlight of the visit is the signing of a £746 million financing agreement involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The deal will fund the refurbishment of two critical maritime facilities, the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex, both vital to Nigeria’s import and export operations.

Earlier, President Tinubu and the First Lady were hosted by their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, at Windsor Castle.

The visit highlights ongoing diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The President is accompanied by a high-powered delegation comprising top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.

Others in the delegation include the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu.

Also present are the 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; and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

The delegation also includes the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.