President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday called for deeper trade and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom as both countries formalised a £746 million agreement to refurbish two major ports in Lagos.
Tinubu made the call during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, where discussions centred on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
Describing his state visit—the first by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years—as “significant,” the President stressed the importance of building on longstanding institutional and historical connections between both countries.
“We cannot forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years,” Tinubu said, noting that talks would also cover key areas including trade, economic reforms, climate change, terrorism, and broader global challenges.
He highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to improve citizens’ welfare amid global economic pressures.
“The entire world is challenged, and Nigeria is not immune. Our focus remains the economy, the welfare of our people, and how we can work together to improve livelihoods,” he said.
In his remarks, Starmer described the visit as historic and reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to its long-standing relationship with Nigeria. He pointed to strong existing cooperation in the economy, defence, and security, alongside robust people-to-people ties.
The British leader added that new agreements on exports and business exchanges reflect a shared resolve to deepen engagement and broaden collaboration on global issues.
At Lancaster House, President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu witnessed the signing of the £746 million deal for the modernisation of infrastructure at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while UK Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, Blair McDougall, signed for the British government.
Edun said the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s priorities in infrastructure, energy, and industrial development, adding that stronger bilateral partnerships would help attract critical investment, stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
He noted that the deal reflects growing confidence and mutual trust between both countries, as well as a shared commitment to delivering tangible economic outcomes.