Back to Sweep TV
🇬🇧 DIPLOMACY STATE VISIT

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departs for UK State Visit with high-level delegation

Published March 18, 2026 · updated 1 hour ago | By Sweep TV foreign desk

On March 17, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja for a state visit to the United Kingdom, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and a high-level government delegation. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations, trade, and investment partnerships between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The presidential aircraft departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at approximately 10:30 am local time. The delegation includes top government officials, legislators, and ministers, reflecting the strategic importance of the visit.

Full delegation list

The following officials are accompanying the President and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu:

Senator Oluremi Tinubu
First Lady of Nigeria
Godswill Akpabio
Senate President
Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN)
Attorney General & Minister of Justice
Dele Alake
Minister of Solid Minerals
Mohammed Idris
Minister of Information & National Orientation
Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Wale Edun
Finance Minister & Coordinating Minister of the Economy
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
Hannatu Musawa
Minister of Culture & Creative Economy
Bosun Tijani
Minister of Communications & Digital Economy
General Christopher Musa (rtd)
Minister of Defence
Malam Nuhu Ribadu
National Security Adviser
Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed
Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
Dauda Lawal
Governor of Zamfara State
Purpose of the visit

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the state visit is at the invitation of the British government. Talks will focus on deepening economic ties, security cooperation, technology exchange, and cultural partnerships. Several MOUs in trade, investment, and creative industries are expected to be signed during the visit.

President Tinubu is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, senior members of the royal family, and business leaders from the UK-Nigeria investment council. The delegation also includes a strong economic team to attract foreign direct investment into Nigeria’s solid minerals, digital economy, and infrastructure sectors.

This is President Tinubu's second official visit to the UK since taking office, underscoring the importance of the bilateral relationship. The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will participate in separate engagements focused on education, health, and women's empowerment.

What they're saying

This visit marks a new chapter in Nigeria-UK relations. We are not just talking about investment; we are here to sign and seal concrete partnerships. — Wale Edun, Minister of Finance.

The creative economy is a major pillar. We intend to showcase Nigerian culture and secure collaborations that benefit our creative industries. — Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Culture.

#TinubuUKVisit #NigeriaUKPartnership
ANALYSIS

What Nigeria hopes to gain from the UK state visit

BUSINESS

UK-Nigeria investment forum kicks off in London