United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday hosted Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Downing Street, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between both nations. The high level meeting resulted in a £70 million steel agreement aimed at supporting the rehabilitation of two of Nigeria’s busiest seaports in Lagos.
Under the deal, British Steel will supply about 120000 tonnes of steel for the upgrade of the Lagos Port Complex and TinCan Island Port Complex. The project forms part of a broader £746 million redevelopment initiative backed by the United Kingdom government to modernize critical maritime infrastructure in Nigeria.
Starmer described the visit as historic, noting it is the first state visit by a West African leader to the UK in nearly four decades. President Tinubu highlighted that discussions extended beyond infrastructure to include trade, economic cooperation, counter terrorism efforts, and climate ce collaboration.
Funding for the port redevelopment is being supported by UK Export Finance, which has guaranteed the loans tied to the project. The agreement includes a requirement that at least 20 percent of contracts go to British companies, potentially directing over £236 million in business to UK firms.
UK Trade Secretary Peter Kyle stated that the deal will enhance the global competitiveness of British Steel while boosting employment and industrial growth in the UK. Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola emphasized that the upgrades will strengthen Nigeria’s role as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
The visit also included a state banquet hosted by King Charles III, underscoring the longstanding diplomatic relationship between both countries.
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