President Bola Tinubu has returned to Lagos in the early hours of Friday following a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
The President is expected to join Muslim faithful later in the day to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President and his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, arrived at approximately 1:15 a.m. at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
They were welcomed by senior government officials and party members, including Lagos State Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside other members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The President will later join Muslim faithful for Eid al-Fitr prayers at Dodan Barracks.
In his Sallah message, President Tinubu encouraged Nigerian Muslims to uphold the values of Ramadan, stressing piety, empathy and unity.
“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said.
state visit and £746m agreement
Prior to his return, the President held bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, where both countries agreed on a £746 million deal to refurbish two major ports in Lagos.
President Tinubu described the visit — the first by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years — as “very thrilling and significant” in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
“We cannot forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years,” he said ahead of the talks, noting that discussions covered trade, the economy, climate change, terrorism and global challenges.
At Windsor Castle, King Charles III hosted the President and First Lady, where Tinubu highlighted the enduring ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
“Our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect and common values,” he said.
The royal engagement featured a ceremonial reception hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, including a guard of honour inspection and a 42-gun salute.
The visit also included engagements with the Nigerian diaspora and business leaders, alongside the signing of several agreements covering trade, investment, defence, cultural cooperation and energy transition.