Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria to 10 Downing Street today, marking the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years. The meeting culminated in a landmark £746 million ($990 million) financing agreement to modernize Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, signaling a new era of economic and security cooperation between the two nations.
The centerpiece of the visit is a major export finance deal aimed at the comprehensive redevelopment of the Lagos Port Complex and the Tin Can Island Port. This investment, supported by UK Export Finance (UKEF), is set to bolster global trade routes while providing a significant boost to British industry.
As part of the agreement, British Steel has secured a record-breaking £70 million contract to supply 120,000 tonnes of steel billets for the project. This deal is expected to support thousands of high-skilled jobs across the UK and underscores the revitalized role of British manufacturing in global infrastructure.
During their bilateral talks, Prime Minister Starmer and President Tinubu reaffirmed the deep-rooted connections between the UK and Nigeria, built on shared Commonwealth values and extensive people-to-people links.
“The long and shared history between our countries is much valued,” said Prime Minister Starmer. “Today is an opportunity to take our partnership to another level, building on our existing work in the economy, defense, and security.”
President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in achieving long-term stability. “We need to nurture our trade agreements and stimulate the economic relationships that build both our nations,” President Tinubu remarked, noting the shared challenges of global economic volatility and climate change.
The leaders committed to intensifying cooperation on defense and security to combat transnational crime and terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region. They also discussed the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with the Prime Minister providing updates on UK efforts to deliver aid to civilians.
The visit also saw the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Both leaders expressed a shared commitment to improving migration procedures and fostering innovation, ensuring that the UK-Nigeria relationship remains a cornerstone of regional prosperity.
