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Historic state visit marks UK-Nigeria relations milestone
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu finalized a landmark £70 million steel agreement on Thursday, underscoring deepening economic ties between the two nations. The deal, struck at 10 Downing Street, represents the first state visit by a West African leader to the UK in 37 years.
Record-breaking steel contract announced
Under the terms of the agreement, British Steel will supply 120,000 tonnes of steel to modernize two key ports in Lagos. The contract is the largest export deal ever backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government's export credit agency, which has guaranteed loans for the project.
Trade Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the deal's significance, stating it would "showcase British Steel's global expertise while creating jobs and driving growth in Scunthorpe."
Broader economic and security discussions
Beyond the steel agreement, the two leaders explored avenues for expanded trade and investment, including a Memorandum of Understanding to identify future opportunities. The UK has already committed £746 million to redevelop Nigeria's Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex, with at least 20% of contracts earmarked for British firms.
President Tinubu highlighted shared priorities, noting that discussions would address "trade, economic collaboration, terrorism, and climate change." Nigerian Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola added that the port upgrades would "solidify Nigeria's status as a premier maritime hub in West and Central Africa."
Diplomatic gestures amid Ramadan
Tinubu's visit holds symbolic weight as the first by a Muslim leader during Ramadan in nearly a century. Windsor Castle adapted its traditional state banquet to accommodate his fasting, providing a prayer room and omitting the usual lunch hosted by King Charles III. Meanwhile, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who is Christian, visited Lambeth Palace for talks with the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Nigeria's domestic challenges loom
The visit occurs against a backdrop of unrest in Nigeria, where suspected suicide bombings in Borno State this week killed at least 23 people and injured 108. Authorities attributed the attacks to the militant group Boko Haram, underscoring the security concerns on Tinubu's agenda.
Next steps
The UK and Nigeria are expected to formalize the Memorandum of Understanding in the coming days, with further announcements anticipated on climate and counterterrorism cooperation.
