Agency Report
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed three major Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering migration partnership, organised immigration crime, border security, and expanded business visas for UK firms operating in Nigeria.
The agreements were announced in a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior on its X handle on Thursday, as part of ongoing engagements during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo was quoted as saying that the deals “reflect Nigeria’s push for a transparent, rules-based migration system that is safe, orderly and mutually beneficial,” adding that they would help tackle “abuse of legal pathways” while strengthening border control.
He noted that the MoUs were also expected to enhance trade and ease business mobility, supporting the Federal Government’s broader economic ambitions.
According to him, the arrangements support Nigeria’s drive toward a trillion-dollar economy under President Bola Tinubu, removing barriers linked to irregular migration.
The statement disclosed that the agreements were signed with the UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and UK Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi.
The agreements mark a significant step in Nigeria–UK relations, reinforcing cooperation on migration governance, security, and economic development.
The signing of the Nigeria–UK migration and visa agreements comes amid a broader wave of bilateral engagements during President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing two-day visit to the United Kingdom.
One of the highlights of the visit is the £746 million financing deal to modernise Lagos ports.
The Lagos Port Complex in Apapa and the Tin Can Island Port are central to Nigeria’s maritime economy, serving as key gateways for imports and exports.
The ports handle a substantial portion of the country’s cargo traffic and are vital to customs operations, revenue generation, and overall economic activity.
King Charles Hosts Tinubu
King Charles III on Wednesday praised what he described as a “partnership of equals” between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, as he hosted Bola Tinubu at a state banquet marking the first visit by a Nigerian leader in nearly four decades.
The banquet, held at Windsor Castle, brought together senior officials, business leaders, and cultural figures from both countries, underscoring deepening diplomatic and economic ties.
In his opening remarks, King Charles described the relationship between both nations as built on mutual respect and shared progress.
“Britain and the former British colony have a deep bond and a partnership of equals that has brought us both enormous benefits,” he said.
The monarch also highlighted Nigeria’s growing economic influence.
“Nigeria is an economic powerhouse. It has not merely changed, it has arrived,” he said, adding that “Nigeria is investing in Britain’s future as much as Britain is investing in Nigeria’s.”
Diaspora Impact
King Charles paid glowing tribute to Nigerians living in Britain, describing them as central to the country’s development.
“We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage… are now at the heart of British life,” he said.
The King noted their contributions across sectors, including business, technology, academia, law, science, sports, literature, and the arts.
“I have met so many of these quiet heroes in our schools, businesses, National Health Service, and universities, including countless young people who have flourished through the work of my King’s Trust over the last 50 years,” he said.
He added with humour, “Only last week, I was delighted to host a rather lively group of them to a jollof and tea party at St. James’s Palace. I was firmly assured that the jollof was only the best — Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember.”
Cultural Influence
The monarch also acknowledged Nigeria’s cultural footprint in Britain, referencing Afrobeats, Nollywood, and Nigerian excellence across professions.
“From Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens… so much of Britain’s culture is in truth profoundly enriched by Nigerians,” he said, before concluding: “Naija no dey carry last.”
Acknowledging history, King Charles noted that while the relationship has evolved, it is not without its challenges.
“There are chapters in our shared history that I know have left painful marks… no words can dissolve these,” he said.
The King also thanked Tinubu for visiting during Ramadan, describing it as “no small sacrifice,” and wished him “Ramadan Mubarak.” The banquet—adjusted to accommodate fasting—featured an iftar and provisions such as a prayer room.
‘Strongest Bridge’
Tinubu, while responding, echoed the sentiment.
“Our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries,” he said, pointing to their impact in healthcare, sports, and beyond.
“Our two nations share a vision of progress based on mutual respect and common values,” President Tinubu added, noting he was the first Nigerian leader to speak at Windsor Castle.
State banquet
Also in attendance were the wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu; Queen Camilla, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
The attendees include the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.); Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Ms. Hannatu Musawa; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, among other cabinet members.
Governors in attendance were Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), among others.
Other prominent guests at the banquet included Maro Itoje, Christine Ohuruogu, Eniola Aluko, Ben Okri, and Tiwa Savage—figures the King described as a “living bridge” between both nations.
Ceremonial Honours
Earlier, President Tinubu was received with full state pageantry, including a guard of honour and a ceremonial gun salute, as artillery rang out across Windsor.
Nigerian and British flags lined the streets while the President and the King inspected troops in traditional regalia.
President Bola Tinubu, King Charles III, Queen Camilla and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at Windsor Castle on the first day of President Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
The visit, part of a two-day state engagement, is aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, security, and education, while also recognising the role of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.
It is the first visit by a Nigerian president in 37 years.
President Tinubu met Keir Starmer and engaged with members of the Nigerian diaspora as part of the visit on Thursday.
The trip builds on longstanding ties between both countries, with London hosting a large Nigerian community that continues to play a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations.
AFP
