By Kolawole Omotola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu following a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
The presidential aircraft touched down on Friday, where the couple was received by top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The arrival was confirmed in a video shared by presidential media aide Sunday Dare, who described the trip as successful.
Tinubu had departed Abuja earlier in the week, arriving at London’s Stansted Airport for what has been described as Nigeria’s first formal state visit to the UK in 37 years, the last occurring in 1989.
During the visit, the Nigerian leader and his wife were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, where they received a ceremonial welcome that included a guard of honour and carriage procession.
The Nigerian delegation also attended a state banquet, where Tinubu reflected on the support he received in the UK during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, while reaffirming the longstanding relationship between both nations. In his remarks, King Charles III described the UK-Nigeria relationship as a partnership built on mutual respect, citing deep cultural and economic ties.
As part of the visit, Tinubu held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation. Key outcomes included the signing of a £746 million financing agreement involving the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and UK Export Finance.
Both countries also reached a new agreement aimed at addressing migration issues, including the return of failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and convicted offenders.
The visit is expected to further deepen diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
