Africa-Press – Nigeria. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Downing Street, as both countries finalised a £70 million steel supply agreement to support the rehabilitation of two major ports in Lagos.
Under the arrangement, British Steel will provide about 120,000 tonnes of steel for the upgrade of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The supply forms part of a broader £746 million redevelopment programme backed by the United Kingdom.
Starmer described the visit as “historic,” noting that it marks the first official state visit by a West African leader to the UK in 37 years.
Speaking on the engagement, Tinubu said discussions with his British counterpart would focus on strengthening trade and economic cooperation, as well as addressing issues such as terrorism and climate change. Both countries are also expected to formalise a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding future trade and investment relations.
Funding for the port modernisation project is being supported by the UK Export Finance, which has guaranteed the loans.
The arrangement requires that at least 20 per cent of the contracts be awarded to British firms, a move expected to channel no less than £236 million in supplier deals to UK companies. Of this amount, £70 million is allocated to British Steel, representing its largest export contract backed by UKEF.
UK Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the deal would enhance the global competitiveness of British Steel while boosting employment and economic activity in Scunthorpe.
On Nigeria’s side, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the initiative would strengthen the country’s position as a key maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
The visit also included ceremonial activities, among them a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. The monarch commended the longstanding ties between both nations.
Special provisions were made for Ramadan, including designated prayer arrangements and adjustments to the event schedule.
Meanwhile, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu visited Lambeth Palace, the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, as part of the engagements.
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