Tinubu, Starmer, Ministers witness signing of £746m seaports deal in London

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s two-day historic state visit to the United Kingdom is regarded as a strategic push to enlarge economic partnerships, boost trade, and enhance security as well as cultural cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ministers, as well as several other top government officials Thursday, March 19, 2026, witnessed the signing of a fresh £746 million ports deal during their meeting at 10, Downing Street, Central London, in the United Kingdom (UK).

ConsumerConnect reports President Tinubu Thursday held high-level talks with UK Prime Minister Starmer during his two-day historic state visit to the UK.

L-R: Principal Private Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, During a Bilateral Meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10, Downing Street, in London, UK Photo: State House

The bilateral engagement moved to strengthen existing relations and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Tinubu’s visit is also said to be a strategic push to enlarge economic partnerships, boost trade, and enhance security as well as cultural cooperation between Nigeria and the UK.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, also stated that the bilateral engagement with the UK is expected to result in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering trade, investment, defence and cultural partnerships.

It is noted that a key highlight of Tinubu’s visit is a £746 million financing agreement involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The statement also noted the new deal would support the rehabilitation of two major maritime facilities — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex — as part of efforts at modernising transport and trade infrastructure in the West African country.

The Presidency, in the state, further disclosed that the discussions between the two countries underscored Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with the UK, attracting foreign investment while promoting infrastructure-driven economic growth.

It should be noted that King Charles III and Queen Camilla had received President Tinubu and First Lady (Senator) at Windsor Castle as part of the official state visit.

The government noted the Nigerian delegation included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Solid Minerals Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Idris Mohammed, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu.

Other top officials present at the meeting with the British PM were Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Mohammed Mohammed.

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