President Bola Tinubu has departed London following the conclusion of his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
During the visit, Tinubu, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, held talks with King Charles III and engaged with various groups in the UK.
He also attended a state banquet held in his honour on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the president met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, where he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations between both countries.
“What we are facing is not a small challenge. Currently, the entire world is challenged. Nigeria is not immune, so is Britain not immune,” he said.
Tinubu expressed concerns about Nigeria’s economy and the welfare of its citizens, as well as the need for collaboration between Nigeria and the UK.
“My concern is, as you rightly said, the economy and the welfare of the people, and how we should work together to improve the livelihood, the means of mitigating the economic volatility.
“And currently, we are challenged in being the largest country in the West African sub-region, and on the continent, we are challenged by terrorism and the conflict of climate change, and all of that.
“We will be able to discuss it in our bilateral relationship and see what Britain can do to accelerate the friendship, partnership, and the collaboration,” he added.
One of the key outcomes of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement in London between Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance, led by Wale Edun, and Citibank.
The agreement, witnessed by the president, is aimed at modernising the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, reducing congestion, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening Nigeria’s trade capacity.
Both ports are among the country’s most critical infrastructure, serving as major hubs for maritime trade and logistics.
The Lagos Port Complex, commonly known as Apapa Port, remains a key gateway for imports and exports, handling a significant volume of cargo entering Nigeria.
Similarly, the Tin Can Island Port Complex functions as a major supporting facility within the Apapa axis, easing pressure on the main port and enhancing cargo movement.
Both facilities play a vital role in economic activities in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial centre, contributing significantly to trade, customs operations, and government revenue.
Meanwhile, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, addressed a gathering at Lambeth Palace, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, where she called for a world guided by compassion and love.
According to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, she attended a church service at the palace and was received by the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion Worldwide, Bishop Anthony Poggo.
In her remarks, the First Lady said addressing global challenges requires not only policies and strategies but also actions driven by compassion and love.
She also interacted with religious leaders and met representatives of the Church of England, including Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover, and Bishop Emma Ineson, acting Bishop of London.
The visit marks the first state visit by a Nigerian president to the United Kingdom in 37 years.