Tinubu Meets UK Prime Minister Starmer, Oversees £746m Port Modernisation Deal
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
President Bola Tinubu held a high-level meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Thursday as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The bilateral engagement focused on expanding cooperation across key sectors, including trade, infrastructure, defence, and cultural exchange. Officials from both countries discussed frameworks aimed at boosting investment flows and supporting long-term economic growth.
A major outcome of the meeting is the planned signing of multiple agreements, including a £746 million financing package designed to upgrade Nigeria’s port infrastructure. The deal involves collaboration between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and Nigeria’s finance ministry.
The funding will be directed toward the rehabilitation of two of Nigeria’s busiest seaports Apapa’s Lagos Port Complex and the Tin Can Island Port Complex, both critical to the country’s import and export activities.
Government officials say the project is expected to improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global maritime trade.
Earlier in the visit, Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu were hosted at Windsor Castle by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, underscoring the diplomatic significance of the trip.
The Nigerian leader is accompanied by a delegation of senior government officials, including ministers responsible for finance, trade, defence, communications, and foreign affairs, as well as top security chiefs.
The visit signals Nigeria’s renewed push to attract foreign investment and modernise key infrastructure as part of its broader economic reform agenda.
Comments