In a landmark state visit, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have finalised a series of major agreements, including a £746 million port modernisation deal and three pivotal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on migration and business visas.
The visit marks the first state visit by a West African leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years.
The centrepiece of the economic discussions, which concluded Thursday at 10 Downing Street, is a comprehensive export finance deal backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF) to refurbish the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
A key component of the project includes British Steel supplying 120,000 tonnes of steel under a £70 million contract, described as the company’s largest-ever export backed by UKEF.
Prime Minister Starmer welcomed President Tinubu to London for what he described as a “historic” moment in bilateral relations.
“This visit underscores the depth of relations between both countries and their shared commitment to future cooperation,” Starmer said during their meeting.
The financing arrangement requires that at least 20% of the contracts be sourced from British firms, a provision expected to channel no less than £236 million in supplier contracts to UK companies, supporting jobs and economic growth in communities like Scunthorpe, where British Steel operates.
Beyond infrastructure, the two nations signed three significant MoUs covering migration partnership, cooperation on organised immigration crime and border security, and critically, an expansion of business visas for UK companies operating in Nigeria.
The agreements were signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
Minister Tunji-Ojo stated the deals “reflect Nigeria’s push for a transparent, rules-based migration system that is safe, orderly and mutually beneficial,” adding that they would help tackle “abuse of legal pathways” while strengthening border control.
The agreement covers streamlined deportations. The Nigerian government will now recognise UK letters – an identification document issued to individuals without a valid passport.
This means the UK will no longer have to wait for emergency travel documents to be issued before deporting individuals with no right to be in the UK, including foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers. Annual returns to Nigeria have nearly doubled to 1,150.
The two governments also discuss a crackdown on visa fraud. The two countries agreed to launch joint operations and share information to crack down on criminal gangs abusing visa routes.
A new standardised document-checking system will be introduced to verify the authenticity of applications following high-profile cases involving fake job sponsorships and sham marriages.
A dedicated Statement of Intent focuses on expanding business visas for UK companies working with Nigeria. Minister Tunji-Ojo expressed enthusiasm for this aspect, stating it was “what we have been looking forward to” as a catalyst for socio-economic development following President Tinubu’s reforms.
UK Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating: “Nigeria is a key partner in our work to tackle illegal migration, as the UK’s largest African visa market and home to thousands of Nigerians who have built their lives here”.
President Tinubu emphasised the significance of strengthening ties, calling the visit “very thrilling and significant in strengthening bilateral relations”.
Discussions between the two leaders covered trade, economic reforms, climate change, and security challenges, including terrorism – a particularly timely topic following recent suspected suicide bombings in Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno state.
Beyond the port and migration agreements, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) signed an MoU with the UK’s Asset Green Limited to develop an integrated dairy production platform in Nigeria, signalling broader cooperation extending beyond infrastructure.
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the port development would “strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in west and central Africa.”
The project is expected to enhance efficiency, improve logistics, and position Nigeria as a competitive hub for regional and international trade.
The visit carried special significance as it marked the first time in nearly a century that a Muslim leader had undertaken a state visit to the UK during Ramadan.
King Charles III hosted a spectacular state banquet at Windsor Castle for the president and first lady, praising the strength of the ties between the two nations.
Special accommodations were made for the Islamic holy month, including setting aside a prayer room at Windsor Castle. The usual lunch hosted by the King did not take place as President Tinubu was fasting.
The visit is widely viewed as a strategic effort to reinforce economic partnerships, expand trade opportunities, and enhance security and cultural cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
As global economic challenges persist, both leaders expressed commitment to working together. “My reaction, as you rightly said, is the economy and the welfare of the people and how we should work together to improve the livelihood of our people,” President Tinubu remarked.
