Nigeria, UK Seal £747m Port Deal to Boost Trade Ties

By Patrick Isaac

President Bola Tinubu met UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street yesterday, reinforcing longstanding trade and economic bonds during Nigeria’s first state visit by a leader in 37 years.

Key discussions covered economic reforms, climate change, and global security. The visit’s centerpiece: a £747 million agreement signed at Lancaster House by Nigeria’s Finance Minister Wale Edun and UK Minister Blair McDougall to modernise Lagos’ Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, enhancing trade efficiency and industrial growth.

Tinubu stressed Nigeria’s ongoing reforms and the need for global partnerships to uplift citizens amid instability.

Starmer hailed the historic milestone, citing deep defense, security, and people-to-people links, and a State Banquet hosted by the King.Edun noted the deal signals growing trust and mutual economic benefits.

President Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu returned to Nigeria today, received by senior officials including Senate President Godswill Akpabio.