State visit: Nigeria, UK set to sign historic £746m deal to modernize Apapa, Tincan ports

Nigeria and the United Kingdom are set to formalize a landmark £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance (UKEF), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

This massive investment is specifically earmarked for the comprehensive modernisation of Nigeria’s primary maritime gateways, the Lagos Port Complex at Apapa Quays and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

The agreement will be signed as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu embarks on a high-profile state visit to London.

The visit, scheduled for March 18 and 19, 2026, marks the first time a Nigerian leader has been hosted for a full state visit in 37 years and features a series of high-stakes engagements aimed at redefining the bilateral partnership.

The deal is expected to modernize critical infrastructure, boost trade efficiency, and solidify Nigeria's position as a premier maritime hub in West Africa.

Beyond infrastructure, President Tinubu is scheduled to hold a pivotal bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street.

This engagement is designed to expand cooperation between senior officials of both nations, culminating in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding (MoU). These agreements will span several key sectors, including trade, investment, national defense, and cultural exchange, signaling a modernized era of mutual cooperation.

The visit also carries significant symbolic and cultural weight. At Windsor Castle, the President and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, have been invited by the Royal Family to view a curated exhibition of items from the Royal Collection that trace the shared history of Nigeria and the UK.

Following this, King Charles III and President Tinubu will hold private discussions and meet with international organizations dedicated to interfaith dialogue, highlighting a shared commitment to global religious harmony.

The first day of the visit will conclude with a grand State Banquet hosted by the Royal Family in honor of the Nigerian delegation.

Members of the President’s entourage include: Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.

Others are: Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.