Nigeria and UK deepen ties as Tinubu, Starmer discuss trade, defence agreements and £746m port financing deal
President Bola Tinubu has met Keir Starmer as part of his two day state visit to the United Kingdom, with talks centred on trade, defence, and major investment agreements.
Starmer welcomed the Nigerian leader with a handshake at the familiar black door of 10 Downing Street as they both posed for pictures before entering the building.
Ahead of Tinubu’s arrival in the UK, the presidency said Thursday’s meeting with the prime minister would revolve around bilateral discussions and a working lunch.
It remains unclear if the president, who is partaking in the ongoing Muslim Ramadan fast, would share in the meal or if it would still hold. The traditional lunch with King Charles III at Windsor Castle on Wednesday was shelved in respect of the fast.
Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, had noted that Tinubu’s meeting with Starmer would culminate in the signing of various memoranda of understanding (MoU) and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
“In addition, Tinubu will witness the signing of a £746 million financing deal between the UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and ministry of finance to support the refurbishment the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex,” Onanuga said in a statement.
This is not the first meeting between both leaders.
In July 2024, Tinubu congratulated Starmer and the Labour Party for winning the UK election.
Both men later held a phone call the following month where they reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties as Commonwealth partners. In October of the same year, the Nigerian leader and the British leader held discreet talks at 10 Downing Street.