President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Abuja on Tuesday for a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, in what marks a significant milestone in Nigeria–UK diplomatic relations.

According to a statement issued on Monday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the president will be accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for the visit scheduled to hold from March 18 to 19.

The visit represents the highest level of diplomatic engagement hosted by the British monarchy and is the first of its kind extended to a Nigerian leader in 37 years.

During the trip, King Charles III will host President Tinubu and the First Lady at Windsor Castle, marking the first time a Nigerian leader will be received at the royal residence. As part of the itinerary, the Nigerian delegation will be invited to view a special exhibition from the Royal Collection featuring items of Nigerian significance.

The statement further noted that both leaders will hold private discussions and engage with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue at national and international levels. A state banquet will also be hosted in honour of the Nigerian delegation.

President Tinubu is also scheduled to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The bilateral meeting is expected to culminate in the signing of several memoranda of understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

In addition, the president will witness the signing of a £746 million financing agreement involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance. The deal is aimed at supporting the rehabilitation of key maritime infrastructure, including the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

As part of his engagements, Tinubu will attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition as guest of honour and participate in a reception with business leaders and members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.

The president will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising senior government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other cabinet members.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the visit.