Korede Abdullah 
LONDON, United Kingdom – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has secured a £746 million infrastructure deal during a landmark state visit to the United Kingdom, signalling renewed diplomatic and economic engagement.
The visit, the first of its kind in nearly four decades, includes a ceremonial reception by King Charles III and high-level talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
At 10 Downing Street, both leaders finalise a financing agreement with UK Export Finance to support upgrades of Nigeria’s key ports.
The deal targets rehabilitation of Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port to improve trade efficiency.
“We need stronger trade agreements to build economic relationships,” Tinubu says, describing the engagement as “forward-looking.”
He acknowledges global economic pressures, adding that Nigeria is implementing reforms to strengthen its economy.
Discussions also cover trade expansion, security cooperation, and diaspora engagement, with bilateral trade already exceeding £8 billion annually.
The visit advances talk on the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership and explores collaboration in climate finance, technology, and education.
Officials say the agreements could drive infrastructure development and economic growth if effectively implemented.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Chukwu Obinna