By our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has called for deeper trade and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as both countries signed a £746 million agreement to modernise two major ports in Lagos.
Tinubu made the call on Thursday during a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at 10 Downing Street, as part of his ongoing state visit.
The President described the visit—the first by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years—as significant in strengthening longstanding bilateral relations between the two nations.
“We cannot forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years,” Tinubu said, noting that discussions with the UK would cover trade, economic reforms, climate change, terrorism and other global challenges.
He added that Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and the need to improve citizens’ welfare would remain central to the engagement.
Prime Minister Starmer, in his remarks, described the visit as historic and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to its enduring relationship with Nigeria, highlighting strong cooperation in areas such as the economy, defence and security.
He also noted the importance of people-to-people connections between both countries and said recent agreements on exports and business exchanges reflect a shared commitment to deepen ties.
Later at Lancaster House, Tinubu witnessed the signing of the £746 million financing agreement for the modernisation of infrastructure at the Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port.
The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and by Blair McDougall for the British government.
Edun said the deal aligns with Nigeria’s priorities in infrastructure, energy and industrial development, adding that stronger bilateral partnerships would help attract investments needed to boost economic growth, create jobs and reduce poverty.
He noted that the agreement reflects growing confidence and mutual trust between both countries, as well as a shared commitment to delivering tangible economic benefits.
President Tinubu also emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing global economic challenges, stressing that both nations must work together to improve the livelihoods of their citizens.
