Tinubu, First Lady Return After UK Visit, Head to Lagos for Sallah

Tinubu, First Lady Return After UK Visit, Head to Lagos for Sallah

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to the country following a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, marking what officials described as a significant step in deepening bilateral ties.

The President arrived in Nigeria alongside the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, after engagements that saw high-level discussions with British authorities on trade, security and global issues.

His Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, confirmed the President’s return in a post on X, noting that the trip was “resoundingly successful.”

The visit followed an invitation by King Charles III, who, alongside Queen Camilla, hosted the Nigerian leader and his wife at Windsor Castle. The reception featured a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour.

During his stay, Tinubu also held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street. Both leaders oversaw agreements, including a £746 million deal aimed at refurbishing key port infrastructure in Lagos.

Speaking during the visit, the President underscored the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the UK, noting that discussions spanned economic cooperation, climate change, terrorism and other global concerns.

“This engagement reflects our shared history and the need to strengthen institutional partnerships,” he said.

The trip is regarded as the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in nearly four decades.

Meanwhile, the President has proceeded to Lagos to participate in Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. He and the First Lady arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in the early hours of Friday.

They were received by top government officials, including Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat, and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside other party leaders.

As part of the Eid festivities, Tinubu is expected to observe prayers at the Dodan Barracks Eid ground.

In his Sallah message, the President urged Muslims across the country to sustain the values of Ramadan, emphasizing piety, sacrifice and compassion as essential virtues for national unity and progress.