‘This opportunity shouldn’t be missed’ — Information Minister hails Tinubu’s UK visit

2026-03-17 - 21:24

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to the United Kingdom as a once-in-a-generation opportunity that stands to benefit every Nigerian. Idris made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, the same day President Tinubu and the First Lady touched down in the UK, landing at Stansted Airport before proceeding to Windsor Castle. “For the first time since the return to democracy, the United Kingdom is actually inviting any sitting president from Nigeria. So, we feel that this opportunity shouldn’t be missed, because this is indeed to the benefit of all Nigerians, with security being on top of the agenda,” the minister said. Describing the significance of the visit, Idris noted that it was the first Nigerian state visit to the UK in 37 years and the first since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999 — a milestone he said came with considerable expectations from the Nigerian public. “This is the first visit in 37 years, and the first one since 1999. So much is on the plate — security, economics, and a lot of issues to be discussed tomorrow with King Charles and then on Thursday with Prime Minister Starmer here in London. Nigerians are already aware of this, and there is an expectation that the president will achieve a lot for their benefit,” he said. The two-day visit features a slate of high-profile engagements, including a meeting with King Charles III, bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a state banquet, cultural exhibitions, and discussions on interfaith dialogue. Among the key expected outcomes of the trip is a £746 million financing deal aimed at upgrading Nigeria’s major ports, alongside new agreements spanning trade, investment, defence, and culture. President Tinubu is also scheduled to meet with business leaders and members of the Nigerian diaspora before returning home. The visit is widely seen as a significant diplomatic reset between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with both governments expected to use the occasion to deepen bilateral ties across several strategic sectors.