President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Friday following a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
The presidential aircraft touched down to a reception by senior government officials, including Godswill Akpabio, marking the end of a visit described as a significant milestone in Nigeria–UK relations.
The trip, held from March 18 to 19, 2026, was the first formal state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, with the last recorded in 1989.
Tinubu and his delegation departed Abuja earlier in the week, arriving at London Stansted Airport before proceeding to a series of high-level engagements. The President and his wife were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, where they received a ceremonial welcome, including a guard of honour and carriage procession.
A state banquet was later held in their honour, during which Tinubu reflected on his time in the United Kingdom during Nigeria’s military era and reaffirmed the enduring relationship between both countries. King Charles III, in his remarks, described the UK-Nigeria relationship as a “partnership of equals,” highlighting strong cultural and economic ties.
The visit also featured a high-level bilateral meeting between Tinubu and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Key outcomes of the visit included the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding, notably a £746 million financing agreement involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance.
In addition, both countries reached an agreement to facilitate the return of failed Nigerian asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and convicted offenders, aimed at improving migration management and reinforcing bilateral collaboration.
