President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu arrived in the United Kingdom on Tuesday ahead of a two-day historic state visit as guests of King Charles III, with the royal family set to roll out the red carpet for the Nigerian leader .
The presidential aircraft touched down at Stansted Airport at approximately 3:23 p.m. local time, marking the commencement of the high-level diplomatic engagement .
The arrival was confirmed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, via a post on his verified X handle.
“Timeline: 15:23PM. President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu touch down at Stansted Airport, United Kingdom, as a historic visit begins,” he wrote, sharing a video clip showing the presidential aircraft taxiing to a stop .
Today, the President and First Lady will be conveyed on a horse-drawn carriage to Windsor Castle, where they will be received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla .
The King and Queen will host the Nigerian leader and his wife to a special exhibition from the Royal Collection featuring items related to Nigeria .
The programme will include private discussions between the monarch and President Tinubu, as well as a joint engagement with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue .
A ceremonial welcome will take place along Datchet Road, featuring the playing of national anthems and the inspection of a guard of honour, followed by a formal reception, a 21-gun salute, and a state luncheon at St George’s Hall .
The delegation will then move to London, where the President will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Westminster before meeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street for bilateral talks and a working lunch .
A State Banquet will be hosted by the Royal Family in honour of President Tinubu and his delegation at Buckingham Palace, with the visit expected to culminate in the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding between Nigeria and the United Kingdom .
Key sectors targeted for cooperation include trade and investment, energy transition, solid minerals development, and security collaboration .
The state visit is aimed at deepening bilateral relations and expanding economic and diplomatic engagement between both countries .
President Tinubu left the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10 a.m. on Tuesday .
He and the First Lady were seen off by top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, among others .
The visit comes as Nigerian businesses expand their footprint in the UK, with hundreds of new jobs expected to be created as Nigerian banks, fintech companies, and creative industry firms grow their operations .
UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the partnership between both countries is producing real results for their citizens.
“The UK and Nigeria share a belief in the power of enterprise, innovation and education to transform lives, and today’s commitments show exactly that. With Nigerian firms creating jobs across the UK and British businesses expanding into one of the world’s fastest growing markets, our partnership is strengthening both economies and delivering real benefits for people in both countries,” he said .
UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy added that the relationship between both countries is creating new opportunities for businesses and innovators.
“The UK and Nigeria’s Strategic Partnership is bringing momentum and opportunity to innovators in both our countries. We are reducing barriers, creating jobs and opening new pathways for growth,” he said .
As part of the expansion, Zenith Bank Plc has opened a new branch in Manchester, which is expected to create up to 30 direct jobs. The bank is also considering listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2027 to raise long-term funding for its operations linking Africa and the UK .
Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji, said the move marks a key step in the bank’s global growth strategy.
“The United Kingdom remains a key global financial centre. The opening of Zenith Bank, Manchester, therefore, marks another important milestone in our international expansion strategy, enabling us to deepen relationships with our customers, support trade and investments, and connect businesses between Africa and the UK more effectively,” she said .
