President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday for a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom (UK), the presidency has announced.
In a statement on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, said Tinubu will be accompanied by his wife, Oluremi.
The state visit, scheduled for March 18 and 19, is the highest level of diplomatic engagement hosted by the British monarchy. It is the first visit of such to the UK by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
King Charles will host Tinubu and the first lady at Windsor Castle during the trip — the first time the British monarch would host the Nigerian leader at the royal residence.
Ahead of Tinubu’s trip, Thames Valley Police said extensive security measures would be in place throughout the town, including a temporary expansion of the airspace restriction over Windsor.
“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.
Later, the King and the President will hold private discussions and meet with organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue, both nationally and internationally.
The Royal Family will host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests in the evening.
Tinubu is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street.
The meeting will culminate in the signing of various memoranda of understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
In addition, Tinubu will witness the signing of a £746 million financing deal between the UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and ministry of finance to support the refurbishment the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President will be the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing modern arts and culture, and will also attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community,” Onanuga added.
Tinubu will be accompanied by state officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice; Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals; Idris Mohammed, minister of information and national orientation; Bianca Ojukwu, minister of state for foreign affairs; Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy; and Jumoke Oduwole, minister of industry, trade and investment.
The president will also be accompanied by Hannatu Musawa, minister of culture and creative economy; Bosun Tijani, minister of communications and digital economy; Christopher Musa, minister of defence; Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser; and Mohammed Mohammed, director-general of the National Intelligence Agency.
Onanuga said Tinubu will return to the country at the conclusion of the visit.
