Tinubu Meets UK PM Starmer, Lands Major Financial Deal

President Tinubu Holds Strategic Talks with UK Prime Minister Starmer, Secures £746 Million Financing Deal

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday engaged in high-level bilateral discussions with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a concerted effort to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Britain. The talks are expected to result in the signing of multiple agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural collaboration.

According to a statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the meeting reflects Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and attracting foreign investment while modernising critical infrastructure to stimulate economic growth.

A key outcome of the engagement is a £746 million financing agreement involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance. The deal is slated to fund the refurbishment of the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex, both pivotal to Nigeria’s import and export operations.

Earlier in the day, President Tinubu and the First Lady were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

The Nigerian delegation accompanying President Tinubu included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi; Ministers Dele Alake, Mohammed Idris, Bianca Ojukwu, Wale Edun, Jumoke Oduwole, Hannatu Musawa, and Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Mohammed Mohammed.