Nigeria, UK seal £746m port deal as Tinubu pushes stronger trade ties

President Bola Tinubu has called for deeper trade and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom following the signing of a £746 million agreement to refurbish two major ports in Lagos.

Tinubu made the call on Thursday during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, as part of his ongoing state visit — the first by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years.

The President described the visit as “very thrilling and significant,” emphasizing the need for both countries to build on their longstanding relationship by expanding trade, investment, and economic collaboration.

He noted that discussions with the UK government covered key areas including trade, economic reforms, climate change, terrorism, and broader global challenges.

Highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu stressed the importance of international partnerships in improving citizens’ welfare and navigating global economic pressures.

Prime Minister Starmer described the visit as historic, pointing to the strong people-to-people ties between both nations and existing cooperation in defence, security, and the economy. He said new agreements on exports and business exchanges reflect a shared commitment to deepen bilateral engagement.

At Lancaster House, President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu witnessed the formal signing of the £746m deal to modernise infrastructure at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and UK Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, Blair McDougall.

Edun said the project aligns with Nigeria’s priorities on infrastructure, energy, and industrial development, noting that strengthened bilateral partnerships would help attract investments, boost economic activity, create jobs, and reduce poverty.

He added that the agreement reflects growing confidence and mutual trust between both countries, as well as a shared commitment to delivering tangible economic outcomes.