Tinubu, Starmer meet in London for bilateral talks

President Bola Tinubu has held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as part of his ongoing two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.

Starmer welcomed Tinubu at 10 Downing Street, where both leaders briefly posed for photographs before proceeding into a closed-door meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

According to the presidency, the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the UK, with a working lunch initially scheduled as part of the engagement.

However, it was unclear if Tinubu, who is observing the Ramadan, would take part in the meal.

Earlier, a similar lunch arrangement with King Charles III at Windsor Castle had been cancelled in respect of the fasting period.

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Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the meeting is expected to lead to the signing of several memoranda of understanding covering key sectors such as trade, investment, defence and cultural cooperation.

He added that the visit would also feature a £746 million financing agreement involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Ministry of Finance.

The deal is aimed at supporting the rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

Tinubu and Starmer have maintained steady diplomatic engagement since the British leader assumed office.

In July 2024, Tinubu congratulated Starmer and the Labour Party on their election victory, followed by a phone call in August 2024 and a private meeting at Downing Street in October of the same year.

The Star