By Wellington Jopelo
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday departed Abuja for a state visit to the United Kingdom, marking the first such trip by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
The aircraft conveying the President and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10:00 a.m.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President and his wife will be hosted by Charles III and Camilla at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19.
The visit will include a state banquet organised by the Royal Family and private discussions between the British monarch and the Nigerian leader.
Both leaders are also expected to attend engagements focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
President Tinubu will also meet with Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street for bilateral talks.
The meeting is expected to expand cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in areas such as trade, investment, defence and cultural exchange.
Part of the visit will also see the signing of a £746 million financing deal involving the Nigerian Ports Authority to support upgrades at major port facilities.
The agreement will support the refurbishment of the Lagos Port Complex and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria after completing the official engagements of the state visit.